Wednesday, June 24, 2009

over my head.


Here I sit, at the design conference I've been looking forward to for a loooong time, and all I can say is the same thing I say every time I go to one of these things:

I hate networking.

I'm terrible at it.

And, this time, I even came prepared. I brought my business cards and prepared myself for the first "networking session"-- I memorized some basic small talk (ironically, some of the same information we were told never to give away as children: name, hometown, job description, hobbies). Yet one step into the convention center proved to me what I already knew was true: networking doesn't work. Not for me.

I'm sure for some people, a flick of the business card and a quick "How do you do?" may spark meaningful conversation, or, if nothing else, a few new professional contacts.

Not the case for little ol' me.

I walked right into HOW 2009 confident, ready to take the design world by storm. Then I heard the voices. Hundreds. Then I saw the mini tables, with people surrounding them, yelling just to be heard. I smelled the cheap wine and took some pretzels (which I hate).

And I turned around.

I had been ready to try, but quite frankly, it's a waste of time.

Tomorrow morning at the breakout sessions, I'll be more than happy to introduce myself, and tell little bits and pieces of who I am.

But I am not going to fight my way through the crowds to produce a business card that will wind up in the bottom of someone's goody bag.

So here I sit, blogging about it all.

And if that makes me a loser, oh well.

4 comments:

mom said...

YOu're not a loser! At least you have your new macbook! YOu look cool and smart! And, best of all.... you are cool and smart! Hang in there and be safe!!!

Anonymous said...

Hang in there! Get some rest tonight so you will be spectacular tomorrow! Chase that lion!

Chet said...

"I will not be the business car that winds up at the bottom of a goody bag."

ZING!

Hope you're having an awesome time and enjoying those cds I made you.

ps.I got my first "stranger" follower.

Anonymous said...

I am thinking of your fav. movie. Remember Meg Ryan was completely the creative,personable, quaint, owner of her little bookshop.....but she also was passionate, determined, and stood up for her-self and her books when she needed to:)Just like all of us, the uncomfortable situations make us use that "other" part of our personality. Good Luck!!!