Why do many dread Networking?

Photo credit: youngsday.com

Networking is an interesting topic, often requested by clients to include in the training.  The tips shared to help them ease through a networking session often cracked them up and many experiences shared are close to the heart.  However, why is it still much dreaded when the real thing comes??

My husband is one who amazes me with his network.  My mum needed people who provided tentage to extend the front porch of our house during Chinese New Year.  Hubby called his friend from Grassroot community who could give us a reasonable rate.  Problem solved.  We wanted to visit Hongkong during one of their peak periods where there were many exhibitions going on, hotels were fully booked and those available were skyrock expensive!  Hubby called one of his friends from his Youthship programme which they attended together when they were in their 20s.  She was a regular at a hotel and had corporate rate!  We had priority in getting a room at a reasonable price! There were many more examples.

So what’s holding us back?  What shall we do to understand that there can never be enough to networking?  You can have a few good friends but you need a network to make life work. 

1)      Choose activities of your interest

 

Don’t go to an event just because your friend told you there will be all high flyers, businessmen or professionals of a particular industry.  Try golfing events, partying in clubs, wine tasting, volunteer at a charity organization or join special interest group such as drums or pottery etc.  You share the interest with people there and they are individuals with unique backgrounds too!

2)      Mindset

Avoid going to an event harboring on the fact that it will be boring since you won’t know people there.  Think of it as you will be there to learn to bake or learn a language and knowing people is part of the process!  It will be an interesting session!

 

3)      Open minded

The worse case would be you are sent to a networking session on behalf of your company.  You don’t have a choice.  Be groomed and go with a smile and tell yourself you have to make a friend at least (though it’s said to be a successful night if you made 3 connections at least).  With good personal grooming, dressing well and an approachable personality, someone else may make that first step and you will likely not be the only one feeling that way.

So go to any events or gathering with an open mind!  You never know that the social event may coincidently turn out to be a networking time for you!

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

Why is it especially important for women to upkeep themselves?

Many years ago, Asian women were seen as family caregivers.  She looked after the family while he brought home the bacon.  As the society evolved, more women stepped into the society to work and became more independent, emotionally and financially.  The family planning process slowed down.  Even when a family is formed, fewer children are born.  The priority changed.

When a woman meets a man and gets married, her social life, personal family, plans and even beliefs take a backseat.  She starts ‘losing herself’ in the marriage/relationship.  A friend who works in the beauty and skincare industry told me she stopped putting on makeup the moment she was pregnant.  Aren’t pregnant woman supposed to be the most beautiful and should be looking at more beautiful things and photos, which includes herself??

Being in the Pageant industry for the last 2 years, I have met and heard from increasing number of women, especially the married ones (Mrs Singapore contestants) that they cried during their pageantry journey when they saw their makeover photos, they realized they found themselves! The Makeover Inc created beautiful pictures!  These women started grooming themselves as they go through a grueling 2 months training/events including press conference, grooming classes, makeup course, meet the sponsors etc.  Their friends started to show them support, the children feeling proud of them and the husbands showing their love in various ways.  Some had their husbands expressing their love in youtube videos, singing love songs and even one was grateful that her husband started holding her hands again! 

We live in a very visual society.  Women can’t think that they have found THE ONE, start a relationship and can be complacent in grooming themselves.  It gets worse when you form a family and the excuse of caring for the kids and household leave you with no time for yourself.  Ladies, you have to ask yourself, what was my dream before? Before you met your partner?  Before you were married or before you had children?  You used to take pride in yourself but what made you stopped halfway? Remember, you need to love yourself again before you feel the love around again! 

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).

The Dating Game! Are you Gamed?

‘Do you want to go steady?’ During my time, that was what I hear often before two young persons get together.  Then it’s calling each other husband and wife when marriage still seems so far!  When you read this article, maybe you can share what the youngsters are asking or calling each other nowadays. J

Some people start dating young while some are still waiting for the special one to enter their life.  So do we wait for the opportunity to come or create opportunities?  Don’t you wish to put in some effort so that you can say that you have tried your best rather than just agree with the fact that you have no luck or time has not come?  Sometimes, no one can come knocking on your door when you do not create an opportunity for them.

So here are some tips that I hope to make sure you are gamed for dating and keep you in the game!

1)      Move it!  Going home after work isn’t going to do you much good.  Unless you have spotted someone at work or on the train daily, rethink your daily activities.

2)      Be sociable.  Whether it’s at work, dinner with friends or making new friends, be friendly and speak up alittle.  A small step each time will make a huge difference at the end of the day.

3)      Smile.  Birds of the same feather flock together.  Ask yourself if you will be happy chatting with a person who doesn’t smile or not that friendly?

4)      Your mindset.  Don’t think of every opposite gender that comes along as someone who might be a life partner.  Instead, befriend them with an open mind.  There are more advantages having more friends around.

5)      Look good!  Make an effort to groom yourself, get a nice hairstyle and dress up alittle.  We live in a very visual society, ladies must put on some makeup and wearing a dress that fits you well.  This will at least leave a good impression of you in others.  Gentlemen should be clean, groomed and dress neatly.  Get a good haircut too!  Being considerate and gentleman brings you far too!

So stop leaving your fate to chance.  Things don’t happen without more effort on your end.  Chat with friends who have gone through such experiences, take up a personal grooming course or personalmakeup course.  Take steps in bringing you back into the dating scene!  Have fun!

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.