If you have been in business for awhile or if you have worked in this industry for a few years, do you remember attending your first networking event? It is an experience that many of us won’t forget.

I remember my first networking event very clearly. I walked into a restaurant where everyone was seated already (I was a few minutes late) and the networking group was mixed in with regular restaurant customers so I couldn’t tell who was part of the group I was meeting. I finally asked and found one open seat. Talk about being nervous and slightly embarrassed! It also happened to be their holiday gathering and I didn’t understand most of the topics they were talking about. I didn’t have business cards or any kind of business yet but I gathered as many cards as I could from other planners and vendors that I met. I was the definition of “nervous energy” that day. I also remember feeling overwhelmed by the amount of people and information I didn’t know.

My point for sharing this is that it’s normal to feel excited and nervous when you are starting something new like a career in event planning.You may be even more nervous if you are incredibly passionate about it. There are many unknowns and a lot to learn but you have to take the first step (which can be anything from taking a class to attending a networking event). Every little step adds up and it will get easier as you start learning. Now I love networking events and often know 70% of the attendees at my local networking meetings.

I do a lot of business coaching for planners and have heard multiple planners talk about how scary and overwhelming those first few steps are to start their business or to start a new job in our industry. The great news is that with every step they take, they gain more confidence. Every small task you take will build your confidence and your knowledge toward being a successful event planner.