3 Tips For Attending Social Events Alone
Your Appearance Plays A Bigger Role Than You Think
I shared last week that I was back attending events. If you’ve been reading my blogs since before the pandemic, you know I love going to networking events. I started attending networking events back in 2018, when I was living in Atlanta. I would just Google events happening in whatever field I was looking for. For example I would Google, “Beauty Events Near Me.” I would also use Instagram and the people that I follow to see what events they were having or speaking at. When I find an event I want to go to, I save it, do some research and then purchase a ticket or register. I love attending events, dinners, seminars, fashion shows, and even mixers. I just really get a kick out of connecting with like-minded people, it inspires me. Although everyone might not be a blogger per se, it’s good to network with people in other fields too. I’ve met some great friends by being at networking events. I met my amazing friends Nesha and Nahjeeh, at an event at the Nars store, a few years ago. Over the years, we’ve built a lifelong friendship, which includes attended events together, having sleepovers, being there for baby showers and more. Even though I no longer live in Georgia and neither does Nahjeeh, we are still always there for each other. It’s crazy the things that can come from attending events.
Whenever I post that I’m at an event, the main question I get is, how do I go to events alone? There are times where I do go to events with friends, but for the most part I go alone. Especially because, I don’t have a lot of friends here, I love to push myself to go alone. There’s many perks to going to events by yourself, the main one is you’re forced to talk to people. I met some beautiful women, at the event I attended alone last month. I met one amazing woman who owns her own store front. Sometimes with events, you don’t only network with the panelist speakers, but you really want to connect to the people next to you too. Networking across is just as important, if not more, then networking up. Attending events alone has helped me in so many ways. I can only imagine how scary it might be to go out and network alone, f you've never even went anywhere solo. I’m going to share three tips that have helped me. Once you attend one event alone, it breeds confidence to do another.
1.Have A Plan
Whenever I go to an event, I try to set specific goals for myself. Yes of course, the goal is to speak to the keynote speaker/speakers, but what do you plan to say when you see them. People love just passing out business cards, and walking away, but that’s not how you stand out. Have a plan for what you will say to them, as you give them your business card. Even if your plan is to just simply introduce yourself and tell them how much you like them, a plan is essential. Don’t only have a plan for what you’ll say to the high profile people, but have a plan for what you’re going to say to the others around you. For example, I like to find the person who is taking a selfie and ask if they want me to take their picture for them. It’s an easy ice breaker, that helps me to start a conversation. I even set goals for after the event, to make sure I follow up and stay connected to the people that I met.
2.Be Open Minded
You never know who you may be sitting next to, and how your paths can connect. I’ve met some lifelong friends just by being at the same event. Also, even though you may be there to learn one thing, you'll probably learn so much more. Try to stay off of your phone, I know it may be hard. For me, my phone is my safety-net, so I have to physically put it away to be in the moment. Be open to all the possibilities that can happen. Be open to all the knowledge you’re going to receive. Be open to hear everyone’s story. Just be open to every conversation with every person in every field. If you go to the event expecting one thing, be open to see what else it could be. Having an open mind, will help you absorb all you can while being in the room.
3.LOOK YOUR BEST
This might be the most important tip. The truth is when you look good, you really do feel good. When you look your best, you are confident in the way that you carry of yourself. I put a lot of effort into my look whenever I go to an event. First impressions are honestly everything. You want to put your best foot forward, when you get into new rooms. Plus, when you look good on the outside, people tend to compliment you, which also breaks the ice for conversations. I can’t tell you how many times, the person I was going to see, called out my outfit, in a good way. Just at the last event, all of the speakers, told me how pretty I was and how they loved my color blocking look. It helps make you more memorable. I understand that sometimes money is tight, but looking good doesn’t have to break the bank. Looking good means wearing something you feel your best in.
I really hope these tips help you moving forward. You can go to events, fashion shows, mixers, etc. alone. If your friends tell you they can’t make it, don’t let that stop you from going. You never know who you’ll meet and how they can help you along your journey. Events are good for the knowledge, but also the networking. What you learn and gain from an event is good, but it’s most important what you do afterwards. How you apply what you’ve learned is crucial. It’s just as important to stay connected to the people you meet at events. Whether you have someones business card, or their social media, stay in touch and follow up after the event. Try these three tips and watch how it boosts your confidence.
