Like you, I want to improve. I want to get better at what I do , develop new skills and achieve goals. That is what I help others do, but sometimes it can be hard doing it for yourself.
One of things I want to get better at is networking. One of the goals I have is to make new connections with people. You see, I’m actually quite shy. It might be hard to imagine because I can get up on stage and train large groups of people or perform stand up comedy to a bunch of drunk people who are trying to heckle me but it’s true. I have trouble getting to know people and asking for what I want.
I get scared by what people will think. What if they think I’m an idiot? What if they think I only want to sell to them? I also get scared of not knowing what to say or even saying the wrong thing? Worst of all, I’m scared of rejection. What if they say no or what if they just don’t answer me? (I take that last one kinda personally)
Training is more than just about learning knowledge, it is also about practice. I’ve read the knowledge about networking, books, blogs, podcasts you name it, I’ve read it, heard it and bought the t-shirt. Now it is time to practice it.
So I have set my self a challenge. Have 100 coffees with 100 people I don’t know. They have to be people who can help me reach my business goals, people I don’t already know and I have to do it in 1 year. I can do these over Zoom or teams or whatever the kids are using these days. During this meeting I have to find out how I can add value to the people I’m meeting with and ask for what I want. The intention is develop relationships and foster connections.
To keep myself accountable, measure my progress and collect my insights, I’m going to blogging about my journey so feel free to come back and see how I’m doing.
100 coffees, 100 new relationships by 22nd November 2025……. wish me luck!