Things Easier Said than Done

To gain the benefits of new experiences and the knowledge they bring,
get out of your comfort zone! 

Usually during the glorious 30 minutes designated for lunch at my internship here at Momentum Forum Events I like to go outside, sit on a bench and read some Harvard Business Review articles (*geek alert*). Usually I find them scrolling through Facebook or LinkedIn; but lately I've spent more time on the latter. 

In the Zone
The mind wanders and I wonder how what I'm reading relates to my internship experiences. There was one about how if you're not outside your comfort zone, you're won't learn anything. This is something that I'm sure we've all experienced, especially when it comes to finding work placements, jumping into new waters and doing things you weren't sure about. 

There's this theory that you shouldn't wait until you're ready to do something - do what gives you the butterflies before you think you're ready; otherwise there may be a missed opportunity you wish you would have taken. The article pointed this out also, reading, "As we grow and learn in our jobs and in our careers, we’re constantly faced with situations where we need to adapt. And without the skill and courage to take the leap, we can miss out on important opportunities for advancement."

Work the Net
One such experience which can bring us out of our comfort zone, is moving to a different city to start a new job. I've talked to many of you, and read your detailed blogs, who have done the PR internship overseas; which I find amazing! Part of getting to know a new city is getting to know its locals and industry professionals you'll be working with. 

Networking events are a great way to stock up your fresh business cards and make new contacts. Another HBR report in my 'article library' talks about this: "If you’ve just uprooted yourself to move to a new city, where do you begin?" It offers some tips and advice so check it out!

Today we think of networking events as a pretty standard thing to get involved in. But 23 years ago it wasn't all that common, with people being unsure of what this term meant. All of us doing our internships, I'm sure, have been to a variety of networking events (if not, then I'd worry!). 

Everyone has different experiences when it comes to meeting new people at either industry-specific functions or multi-sector gatherings, or in exclusive or larger crowds. Yet one thing we can agree on is something that this recent article talks about: "Diverse networks enable the opportunity to interact with people in different departments, organisations, industries, and countries. They're valuable because they provide access to new information, whereas your existing co-workers tend to have similar insights to yours." 

Theory in Practice 
Interning at an events management company networking becomes critically important. What the team I'm a part of are doing involves getting people to attend events in support of a worthy cause. Creating, running and managing such events brings people from all walks of life together in one room; creating the chance to meet them and get to know their stories and expertise. They're networking opportunities in disguise. 

I'm someone who was always predominantly shy, and found it hard to get out of my shell to let the wider and brighter world in. One of my first jobs was working as a waitress in a busy restaurant. At first I was nervous and over-thinking too many things, but as time went by and I focused on what I had to do and began to enjoy it more and more, the nerves went away and my people skills improved massively. Now I work in offices all over Perth, and although interactions with people are still constant, the nature of how I have to deal with people is different. 

Although I still get nervous about dealing with people I don't know, and hoping to manage their expectations, I remind myself that taking that step outside my comfort zone is what will bring new experiences and opportunities; the ability to learn and grow. 

Let me know what you think about your networking experiences and how you get out of your comfort zone!