I don't wanna…

But I probably should

How many people do you know? How many new people do you talk to in a week? 

Recently, I went to Atomicon, a marketing conference for small business owners run by Andrew and Pete in Newcastle. One of the things I decided to do afterwards was work ‘in public’ more. That means sharing more about what I’m up to behind the scenes in my content marketing business. 

It’s a bit scary talking about this stuff but as I wrote last week, I’m resetting. I haven’t been seeking much new work this year because of family commitments and the knock on effect of those on my mental health. 

Now I’m able to work again and I can do things that weren’t possible before, like travel or book events several months in advance. 

So I’ve started getting my act together. I’m paying attention to people’s tips on how to get new clients (this episode of the Indie Business Club is good). 

I’ve also signed up to two business development programmes and they’re both saying the same thing: I need to be talking to more people. A lot more people. 

Eep!

My social circle has always been small. Two or three close friends wherever I am. I know plenty of people to talk to at events these days but nowhere near the number of people it’s suggested I have conversations with. 

Scaling up the number of people I talk to feels overwhelming.

I also don’t like being pitched or those conversations at networking events that just stop when the other person realises you’re not a potential client. I don’t want to do that to other people.

I am always happy to share ideas for what people can say about themselves and how to say it.

There’s a bit of me that wonders if this advice on the number of conversations I should be having is extrovert marketing. 

Then another bit that says, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. 

As it is, I’m sitting here knowing I ought to have a go but feeling utterly out of my comfort zone and so not doing it at all. I keep writing it on my task list and then finding excuses why I haven’t done it yet. 

I need to find some new spaces where I 😱 don’t know anyone yet. 

I need to put myself forward as a podcast or event speaker.

And I need to find memberships who would like a workshop on storytelling, website copy, or content marketing. 

Can you help me out? 

Do you know any spaces where an introverted content marketing coach who loves helping people stand out as individuals and tell their story would enjoy the conversation? 

Do you listen to a great podcast about a socio-economic issue, which accepts guests, that you think I should check out?

Do you run a membership and would like a fab, practical session on one of the topics I have mentioned? 

Comment below or send me a DM. Thanks!