Clients and colleagues are telling me that they are now getting back to participating in Face to Face meetings, forums, training and events. This means we are getting back to meeting people, sharing who we are, buying in (or not) to the ideas of others and participating in groups like we haven’t for about 2 years!

So, given, I facilitated Future Cotton Leaders for 15 and have a forum of 150+ in two weeks, today, I’m sharing my 5 Ways to get back into the Face to Face game with confidence. Hope these help you as you do the same.

1. First Impressions Count. In this fast-paced techie world, I understand people make their mind up about whether they want to talk to you or move on in 3 seconds flat!  Ouch. Open body language like a smile, arms not crossed and a forward posture are more important than ever.
2. Get to Know Yourself Again. Take a quick stocktake of your personality traits and how these serve you well (or could serve you much better) in face to face situations. Our one-on-one start anytime and join from anywhere Myers Briggs program might help. More info here. 
3. Dust off Your Intro Script. No time to tangle your words. I recommend you dust off your Intro Script, or create one, if this is a new idea for you. 30 seconds and you’ll be off and running with confidence and ease and everyone will want to chat with you.
4. Nerves – I’m not nervous! Who are you kidding we all get nervous it’s natural and tells us something is happening that we need extra energy for. See your nerves as excitement and embrace them as you walk into that room or onto that stage. This way they will help not hinder.
5. Have Fun. We are wired for connection. Being with others should be a fun experience that fills you up. Work to engage and then connect with others on something that you are both passionate about. This will make you both memorable for all the right reasons.

Questions for you

1. How impactful is your current intro for when you meet people for the very first time? Could it be improved?
2. How do you think people see you when they first meet you? Write down 3 words that describe how you want to be seen by others when you first meet.
3. When was the last time you reviewed your intro script? Are you still happy with it? Does it need any changes to make positive impact and for you to be seen how you wish to be?
4. Take a nerves stock take. Do you see them as energising?
5. What can you do to reframe nerves into something positive as you head to a networking function?

Hope these help as you step into a room or onto a stage (in person) for the first time in ages! And one last thing – this is all about believing you are in the right place, at the right time with the right people. Think about it like this and you have so much to look forward to. See you there.

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I hope to hear from you soon.