It's funny how, during the first few days of the Cannes Lions Festival, I felt an immense fear of approaching people and introducing myself. I knew I was surrounded by so many interesting individuals, but I kept worrying about whether they would want to talk to me or if I was wasting their time. Even though I attended numerous events, I struggled with networking and didn’t realize how easy it could be once I got out of my own head.
I remember it was my third day at the festival, and I had yet to approach a single person. I thought, "What's the worst that can happen? Nobody knows me here, and it's the perfect opportunity to be whoever I want to be." Of course, this was easier said than done. I attended a panel at the LinkedIn terrace during happy hour, grabbed a glass of wine to calm my nerves, and sat at a small table while waiting for the speakers to start. A guy standing next to me asked if he could sit down. I had already noticed his badge and knew he worked at a big marketing agency in New York City, but I didn't know how to start the conversation. So, I forced the words out of my mouth.
To my surprise, we ended up having an interesting conversation that wasn’t related to work. This made me realize that it's often easier to bond with people when you aren't focused solely on job roles or opportunities. One thing can lead to another very organically. After this first experience, I was able to approach many people and start conversations about the most random things. Eventually, I would have the opportunity to share more about myself and my purpose at the Cannes Lions Festival. This approach also allowed me to learn more about the personalities of these individuals and for them to get to know me in a more informal way.
Reflecting on this experience, I’ve learned that overcoming initial fears can lead to the most rewarding connections. Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards and discussing job roles; it's about building genuine relationships. By being present and open to organic interactions, we can forge meaningful connections that extend beyond professional boundaries. This lesson from the Cannes Lions Festival will stay with me, reminding me that sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zones leads to the most impactful experiences.
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