<p>You are at a networking event and suddenly you feel a bit uneasy and unsure of what to do.&nbsp; No one looks familiar, while other people seem to know each other and are already engaged in lively conversations.&nbsp; At this point, your thoughts might turn to self doubt, and uncertainty about whether or not your should even be there.</p><p>Most of us have experienced the uncomfortable inner conversations about our own self worth whether we are networking or in some other situation.&nbsp; In fact, people commonly admit that they wouldn't spend much time with friends who might say the things to them that they say&nbsp;to, or think about themselves during these potential times of personal distress.&nbsp; This is one of those ideal time to practice Compassionate Curiosity.</p><p>So what is Compassionate Curiosity, and what does it&nbsp;have to do with networking?&nbsp; First of all, the compassion part is for you.&nbsp; When we begin the process of truly feeling compassion for ourselves, instead of entertaining those thoughts of insecurity, there is a whole new sense of who we are and what we can do.&nbsp; For most people, it is relatively easy to feel compassion (as opposed to pity) for others, especially when someone is in pain, or in a situation of discomfort.&nbsp; We might ask ourselves what we can do for that person, or how can we help them feel better about their situation.&nbsp; By directing similar thoughts and that same emotional gift to ourselves, we can actually feel the inner peace that comes when we feel loved or otherwise cared for.&nbsp; Yes, we can provide this for ourselves, rather than looking for it outside of ourselves..&nbsp; In fact, the more we exercise compassion toward ourselves, the easier it is to be compassionate in a very real way toward others.</p><p>The second part is to feel, and to demonstrate authentic curiosity toward the other person.&nbsp; When we are grounded in a sense of confidence and compassion&nbsp;about ourselves, the curiosity about another person and their business comes from a real place within us.&nbsp; We will naturally think of relevant questions to ask, constructive comments to make, and perhaps even contacts to give them with ease and grace.&nbsp; This approach to networking has benefits for everyone.&nbsp; We are acting from a place of intergrity instead of fear., scarcity or dire need, and&nbsp;the other person feels valued and heard.&nbsp; Because they feel comfortable in the conversation, they are also more likely to show interest in what you have to offer as a business person.</p><p>An added bonus of this approach is that it can also be used in many other situtaions.&nbsp; When we are in a conflict situation for example, or feel misunderstood, the practice of Compassionate Curiosity can make all the difference in the world.&nbsp; Instead of&nbsp;dealing with&nbsp;conflict by using our defense mechanisms, a bit of Compassionate Curiosity can actually promote the creation of solutions, rather than the escalation of who is right vs. who is wrong.&nbsp; If we feel misunderstood, which can lead to a whole new level of negative thoughts and words, Compassionate Curiosity can give us the incentive to engage in a more creative way of explaining ourselves and discovering how the other person is interpreting the words we are using.</p><p>In business and in our personal lives, Compassionate Curiosity can become a practice that provides clarity, information, resolutions and an overall sense of balance in life.</p> 2008-05-29T22:25:43Z 2008-05-30T19:14:05Z -21.6829 588 1030 true 4 6063 compassionate-curiosity-networking-with-integrity 3 2008-05-30T19:13:33Z 2008-05-30T19:13:33Z

<p>Networking with the intention of Compassionate Curiosity,&nbsp;will enhance your efforts at any networking event.&nbsp; The added bonus is that it will also serve you in other personal situations..</p>

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