I don’t know about you, but I’m a homebody – I love being home and I am reluctant to go out. Many who know me will probably wonder if I’m speaking about the same ‘Kathie Thomas’ as I’m known to be sociable, outgoing, happy and good company (so I believe). But I assure you I am – speaking about the same person, that is.
When I make the decision to go out and actually push myself to do it, I do enjoy myself and love meeting new people, but it is really easy to feel comfortable in my chair, and my office, and not want to venture out that door.
I rediscovered this during this past week when I went out to two events – a workshop on Wednesday in St Kilda and then a business breakfast in the city on Thursday morning. I was reflecting on going out two days in a row and couldn’t remember the last time I did that.
I know, I know, I talk about networking all the time and it is very important. And I expect most of you are thinking I’ve had an excuse because of our recently family tragedy. But the reality is I haven’t been out much for several months and I was really enjoying just staying put. Which is not good as it can become a habit and make you reclusive.
Life has been hectic this year, crazy in fact, and I’ve had lots happening and perhaps I could be excused for not feeling like I should be out and about. But the reality is (and I know from past experiences) that when you stop doing what you’ve been doing, then things can dry up or go quiet a few months down the track.
Now, in this time of economic problems worldwide, the last thing any business owner can afford is a business that suddenly goes quiet – when the reality is that you have stopped doing what’s important many months before. This time of year is filled with end of year events, Christmas parties, and all sorts of other things and there really is no excuse for not going out regularly and meeting other people. As it was on Thursday morning I met several women at my table and two of them are with companies that could potentially engage me as a speaker. I’d not met these ladies before and will be following up (that’s a key part to networking by the way – follow up!). So I’m glad I went. And I have two end of year events coming up next week and the week after with my own VA team – I need to get out and mix and mingle with the team!
What about you? What do you have to go to? If you’re not sure, then start asking your colleagues and clients what events they’re going to and see if you can tag along. Or do a Google search for networking events in your region – there are sure to be things on. It’s never too late to start going out again and if you’re like me and find it hard to get out that door, then find an incentive – something that will drive you to do it. You’ll be glad you did!
business network, economic problems, homebody, networking events, Virtual Assistants, working at home
Kathie is the former owner of VA Directory and is former past President of the Australian VA Association. She founded the Virtual Assistant industry in Australia in the mid 90s, having already been operating a home-based secretarial service. Today the VA industry covers a multitude of office-based services for clients worldwide.
Adornments by Milani says
Hi Kathie,
Thanks for the article. I could definitely relate to being a homebody whereas everyone else thinks I’m the opposite. You’re so right about the importance of going out and networking this time of the year. It’s crucial crucial time to meet new people, especially those who are in the Christmas spirit:)
PopArtDiva says
Kathie! This is such a timely post for me! I am doing more and more of my work online in the last few years and I noticed that getting me out of the house and away from the computer is like trying to pry a barnacle off the bottom of a boat!
I even put off going to the grocery store. It seems as though I’m becoming more and more reclusive and I realized this was not a good thing! I live alone (except for Pixel) and I really do feel like I’m becoming a hermit! For someone who is as outgoing as I used to be this is not healthy!
I’m actually moving to another state this week – closer to many of my good friends and I am also getting a home with a friend. I think that having a roommate to share things with, and having my closest friends nearby will help to solve this problem greatly!
And I will probably put on make-up on a more regular basis too, lol!
Beverly Mahone says
I have made it my business to get out of the house and do some other things. That’s why I started a local Business Divas Group–which meets monthly for a Power Luncheon. I’m also exercising more because health has suddenly become a major issue in my life. I refuse to allow a computer be the cause for my middle age spread.
Karen O'Bannon says
Like you, I enjoy staying home. I just don’t have time to stay home. Too busy. Good busy.
Terence Kierans says
Perhaps I’m in the wrong business. I hate the thought of going out – I might meet people!
Seriously, being such a techo I really do prefer being at my desk and PC. I can’t even go on holiday without my mobile phone and laptop – just in case.
Having said that, what you say makes sense Kathie, as always. Maybe I should get out more. I only go to my local business association breakfasts if I’m interested in the speaker.
New resolution – I will go out more.
Tom Lindstrom says
Hi Kathie, good article.I have noticed the same thing, there can be days when I don´t get out of the house at all.Time flies when you work on your business.However, it does help to get out once in a while.You get new and fresh ideas for your business and it´s important to stay in shape as well.There is lots of responsibilities when running a home business.