Your invitation to go first
A little BTS (behind the scenes) this week: I'm writing this post from bed.
Candidly, this writing location is rare for me, but this past weekend I was in Scottsdale, AZ, attending the Powerhouse Women event, and in the wake of that event, I'm somehow both ready to take on the world and completely drained (thus, the writing in bed part).
At the event, 600 women from around the world came together for connection, inspiration, and growth. In addition to my Powerhouse Women coaching programs and masterminds I've participated in, I've attended this event for the past three years. I always walk away inspired by the women on stage as much as the women that I meet, all of whom remind me of what is possible.
This year, I was VERY excited to see all the friends and connections I've made over the years and catch up. But I also made it my intention to be open to new connections. I wanted to be especially aware of anyone in the room who was alone and who might be attending for their first time.
I did end up meeting several new amazing connections throughout the day. There was one woman in particular I saw sitting by herself during the networking time before the program began, so I went over and introduced myself and invited her to meet a few of the women that I knew.
We didn't get a chance to connect much after our morning interaction, but later on Instagram she posted about the event and in the post thanked me for inviting her into my tribe and making her experience more memorable. That was so nice to hear, and I'll look forward to staying connected with her through the socials.
Why share this story?
Because we have a choice when we attend events of any kind—business, community, neighborhood, family—we can hide behind the people we know, our nerves, and wondering what people will think of us, or we can lead with curiosity and be the one to go first.
Imagine what would happen if we all decided to go first?
To introduce ourselves to someone new.
To reach out to someone who is standing alone.
To give someone a compliment or share a simple smile.
Not in search of a business transaction or what we might get from them.
But, instead, what we have to give.
I've met best friends, business buddies, clients, and more at events. The truth is, you never know who you'll meet. And no matter how big or small a role the person may play in your life, each new human-to-human interaction has a ripple effect that we can't even begin to measure.
Let this be your invitation to go first next time you have the chance.
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About the author: Kelly (Underell) Stevens is an alignment coach and speaker dedicated to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs grow their impact and live life on their own terms by giving them the tools to choose less and show up for themselves. Learn more at www.kellystevens.co.