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Put an End to Networking Anxiety S top M issing O ut on P rofessional C onnections 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 familiar? 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 people who attend networking events fall on every point along the social spectrum. Regardless of where you land, use these tips to conquer the psychological barriers and get the most out of networking events. Ask yourself why you’re attending a networking event. Most people go to networking events to learn 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 what your purpose is, you can carry that mindset with you as you meet and interact with others later on. And remember, everyone’s goal is 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 because you feel obligated to or because one just 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 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. Hone in on the people you genuinely want to meet with. You’re looking for a person with whom you can share a mutually beneficial relationship — someone you can learn from and who can learn from you. And, if you don’t make a solid connection this time, that’s okay! There is always next time.
Collin Kartchner is a resource for parents, educators, kids, and communities. He provides the insight and resources they need to break past the dark side of social media. If you haven’t gone to CollinKartchner.com or SaveTheKids.us, I encourage you to do so. These websites will help you prepare for that “social media talk” with your kids, grandkids, or students. The fact is that we’re all in this together. The influence of social media is everywhere. When we work together — and open the doors of healthy communication — we can curb the toxic influence of social media and better deal with issues like cyberbullying. As we begin a new year, make it a resolution to remind kids that life is so much more than what they see online. —John Bledsoe
Inspired by “Paleo Happy Hour” by Kelly Milton
Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts A Paleo Appropriate Tradition
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is an iconic image of Christmas, but we’re willing to bet most people reading this have never eaten a chestnut. Change that this year with this awesome paleo-friendly appetizer.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 8-oz cans water chestnuts • Tamari (wheat-free soy
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar • 1 lb sliced bacon, quartered
sauce), but can substitute with coconut aminos
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat an oven to 400 F. 2. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment and set aside. 3. Drain liquid from canned water chestnuts, add tamari to cover, and let soak for 15 minutes in the cans. 4. Drain tamari, roll each chestnut in coconut sugar, wrap with bacon, and spear on toothpick. 5. Place chestnuts on prepared rack. Bake for 30–35 minutes. 6. Plate and serve.
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