Put Yourself Around People More Experienced Than You

I experienced this recently at a networking event hosted by Miss Sophanny from CONNECT Network.

I am new to coaching and business, I've only recently acquired my first client. I was definitely the newbie at this event along with a university student who sold ceramics. Some of the other guests attending this event were already experienced in international business. Their nationalities were Swedish, Vietnamese, Italian and American.

At first I definitely felt shy and intimidated. I'm gonna be straight up honest. What made me feel more chill was to put myself into a "student mode". I was there to learn from everyone, not compete. Our host, Miss Sophanny got us all to take part in an activity where we took turns speaking into a microphone and talk about a keyword that we pulled out of a hat. The word that I pulled out was: DISTANCE.

Not knowing really what to talk about, I just said that distance is what I need from my phone 😂 However, because the guests knew that I had been working as a relationship coach... I think you might know where this is going. Someone asked about long DISTANCE relationships! A female guest asked if long distance relationships can work. This actually opened up a great discussion between all participants, and I was able to share how my own attempt at a long distance relationship had ended up in a break up. 

I got to observe how we all took turns speaking into the mic, and I observed how these business people interacted with each other. They seemed so comfortable to speak, and one of them even seemed comfortable to blurt out odd statements without feeling shy. One of the guests was an Italian man selling Italian wine, and one of the Vietnamese guests straight up asked him "ARE YOU AN ALCOHOLIC?!" My first thought was: 'Dude what a troll... lol.' But the Italian guy just rolled with it, and I was able to observe how he handled everyone's challenging questions so well. I could see in his eyes afterwards that it had taken a lot of work, but he handled it like a boss.

After the event, I was surprised when the Swedish guest invited me and the other newbie to join them for dinner. Normally I would make some excuse to not go, but this time something told me that I HAVE TO ATTEND.

This time, I was able to observe them up close and even delve into conversations with them. I spent most of the time speaking with the Swedish guy and his Vietnamese fiancée. It felt perfect, a relationship coach chilling with a couple who had amazing chemistry. Just by spending time around these business people helped me to level up in several ways.

1) My identity as a relationship coach become stronger

2) I felt that it's okay to speak one's mind even if it's blunt and triggering

3) I realized how interesting a relationship coach can be for others, even if he is a new coach

4) It made me feel more excited to be around people more experienced than me

5) It reminded me to PRINT BUSINESS CARDS!