When networking with others in online meetings or on LinkedIn, Meetup, or on other platforms, you need to leave your pessimistic attitude, words, and writings behind.

Be an optimist!

Even though the pandemic has wreaked havoc on jobs, businesses, mental health, finances, and more, no one wants to hang with Debbie or Donnie Downer. 

No one wants to help Negative Nancy or Ned. 

I’m sure you have heard the expression that you catch more flies with sugar than vinegar. It’s not an old wives tale but is the truth. 

Focus on having a positive attitude and a positive mindset. Yes, it’s hard at times, especially when you ride emotional rollercoasters.

Networking is all about building relationships with know, like, and trust. 

When you hear rotten garbage coming out of your mouth or off the end of your fingers as you type, take a deep breath and pause, and regroup. 

Do you think people will LIKE you if you spew negativity? Do you think they will want to help you? They will probably not want to add your baggage on top of their own. Save that for a therapy session and not for networking. 

Have EQ and be emotionally intelligent and self-aware. Start your day with positive affirmations and turn any negative self-talk into positive self-talk. 

According to Positive Psychology, “Positive thinking is a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the bright side of life and expects positive results.” It includes optimism, acceptance, resilience, gratitude, mindfulness, and integrity and the article includes 89 ways that you can strive to achieve positivity in your mental attitude.Speaking of attitude, here is one of my favorite quotes on attitude by Charles Swindoll that I posted on LinkedIn. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  

Stay positive, everyone!

AUTHOR BIO

Lynne Williams is the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Area Great Careers Group, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, that provides career education and networking. Lynne also writes for vista.today, montco.today, and delco.today