“No new friends” doesn’t apply here.
In stop 6 of my 10-day preparation series for the NABJ convention, I want to remind you that it is an opportunity to meet new people that you may not get the chance to meet anywhere else.
It’s easy (and totally normal) to veer toward your clique of friends when you don’t know anyone because we like being comfortable, but they will always be around! That reminds me of a Dream Without Limits radio podcast I recently watched titled “Uncomfortable is the New Comfortable,” featuring Paul C. Brunson, a professional matchmaker. (And no, you shouldn’t be focused on finding a boo at NABJ either lol.)
Brunson said, “It’s always fear that prevents us from stepping outside of our comfort zones, and it’s not unreasonable fear,” but “what propels people beyond their comfort zone is having clarity, confidence and faith in whatever it is that you are thinking about doing.”
“We break through fear when there’s something we cherish that is valued higher than that fear,” he added.
Be married to your goals. Remember why you signed up for the convention and look at the long-term benefits of branching out. Being comfortable, staying in your circle, won’t help you reach your goals– whether that is picking up on a new skill, gaining a mentor or learning about job opportunities. The only way to reach the fruit is to branch out!
That doesn’t mean you have to totally avoid your friends either. I haven’t seen my buddies from school in a while, and I’m excited to reunite! But just do what you have to do and come back to reconvene. When I attended the convention for the first time with Nickelle Smith and Peta-Gay Sheerwood, we hardly ever went to the same workshops. But we would always come back to our room and share our ideas with each other.
If you see me, say hey! And I’ll do the same, regardless whether I know of you or not. I believe that it’s just common courtesy to greet someone when you’re in their presence.
So if you’re ready to say “yes” to new friends, tweet this! And feel free to add any tips you may have on making new friends at conventions by sounding off in the comments below or by using the #NABJcountdown hashtag along with the official #NABJ14 hashtag.
