Mometrix - December 2018

PUTANENDTONETWORKINGANXIETY STOP MISSING OUT ON PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS

You’re at a networking event and have no clue where to begin. You look around the room at all the groups of people chatting away. After a quick assessment, your first instinct is to beeline for the refreshment table. Does this sound like something you’d do? If so, you are not alone. For a lot of people, from students to career- established professionals, working up the nerve to engage others in this kind of setting is a challenge. Whether you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert, it’s not uncommon to face psychological barriers that keep us from getting the most out of networking events. One thing to remember is that people who attend networking events fall on every point along the social spectrum. Regardless of where you land, there are ways to conquer these mental blocks, allowing you to utilize your networking events to the fullest. Ask yourself why you’re attending a networking event. What is your goal? Most people attend these occasions with the intention of learning about career or business opportunities. They’re interested in connecting with thought leaders, finding resources, and discovering ways to improve themselves professionally. When you better understand your intentions, you can carry that mindset with you as you meet and interact with others later on. And one of the most important points to remember is that everyone’s goals are essentially the same. You want to meet people, and people want to meet you.

Pick and choose your networking opportunities. Don’t attend an event just because you feel obligated to or because one presented itself. Networking events are common enough that you can choose which ones you feel you’ll get the most out of. Dedicate your time and energy to those you are most comfortable attending and that make the most sense to you. Focus on making one or two solid connections. You don’t have to speak to every person or be a part of every conversation at a networking event. Hone in on the people you genuinely want to meet. You’re looking for a person with whom you can share a mutually beneficial relationship — someone you can learn from and who may be able to learn from you. And if you don’t make a solid connection this time, that’s okay! There is always a next time.

BUTTERYROASTED CHESTNUTS

SUDOKU

Whether or not you have an open fire, you can easily roast some chestnuts using this simple, delicious recipe.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds fresh chestnuts, unpeeled

Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg

• • •

2–3 sprigs rosemary

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 450 F. 2. Place a large sheet of foil on a rimmed baking sheet. 3. On a large, flat workspace, place chestnuts flat side down. Using a sharp knife, carve an X on the rounded side of each chestnut. 4. In a large bowl of hot water, soak chestnuts for 1 minute. 5. Pat dry and transfer to a medium bowl. Add rosemary, butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Toss to coat and transfer to baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer. Gather the edges of the foil together, leaving an opening at the top.

6. Roast until peels curl up, about 30–45 minutes. 7. Transfer to a platter and serve while hot or warm.

Inspired by Bon Appétit

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