The Benefit of Getting out of Your Comfort Zone

Many people are reluctant to join a professional networking group. ‘it’s schmoozing,’ ‘I don’t need those connections,’ ‘it’s all pyramid schemes and snake oil sellers,’ are all things we’ve all thought or felt.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t join a professional group, though, because there are great ones out there that can offer you the best advice in business leadership short of Stanford or Harvard. I learned this through my affiliation with the Colorado Thought Leaders Forum, whom I first approached with reluctance but now embrace like a warm blanket on a snowy day. We need to get over our preconceived notions about “networking” and our fear of working outside of our comfort zones and acknowledge that there is remarkable growth to be had by trusting others.

When I first became involved with CTLF, I was that business leader trapped in a bubble with my great ideas. I had forgotten the very nature of a bubble that will burst on its own accord by its very own design.

CTLF turned out NOT to be the humdrum experience of bobbing about a room and handing out my business cards that I had expected. Instead, I found a meaningful connection to experienced and talented business leaders who had been around the block a few more times than me.

I gained an education from the organization, where I learned the fantastic concept of intentionality and giving back to business leadership. I formed life-long partnerships that continue to teach me regularly. Through my continued affiliation with the group, I’ve enjoyed the satisfaction that comes from making it my business to pay it forward and help others.

Turns out, you have to give a little to get a little. I would never have learned any of it without joining a group like the Colorado Thought Leaders Forum and acknowledging the often-wobbly nature of my bubble.