Last week, I spent several days in Sunny San Diego! I was there to attend SMMW 2016 hosted by Social Media Examiner.
It was such a great time to get away, learn new tricks of the trade for my business and meet up with some amazing people.
There are days when I have to pinch myself when I see who I get to rub shoulders with. There was one morning in particular when I was invited, yes, INVITED, to a Mastermind breakfast. I was a surreal moment to get the invitation by my friends Kary and Brian walk into a room full of super stars! Check out this picture. Super Stars FOR REAL!
As I sat in the room with people that I have worked with and admired, I couldn’t believe that I was there. Then something strange happened… I began to take off the mask.
You know the mask that I’m talking about. The one that we all wear to hide our vulnerability.
As we sat around a table having breakfast and talking business, I began to share my experience of realizing that I couldn’t manage my business by myself.
Imagine that, a VA needing a VA!
I told all of these wonderful people how I had reached a point in my life where I couldn’t juggle it all. I couldn’t believe what was coming out of my mouth. I’m very good at pointing out where other people need help, but when it came to myself, I wanted everyone to think that I had super powers! We all do it, especially us that are naturally competitive.
Play cards with me… I’ll wipe the floor with you!
See, there I go again…. talking big talk…. now back to my truly epic morning!
I discovered something that day. I wasn’t alone.
As I began to make myself vulnerable, others around me began to share their struggles, too.
If I could share one piece of advice with you, it would be to take off the mask. We like to save face and think that we can handle all of the pressure alone and then we will be held in high esteem. That isn’t the case. We are held in high esteem when we are honest with the people around us, specifically our tribe.
Do you have a networking group that you’re a part of? Perhaps you’ve played with the idea of joining a mastermind. Don’t hesitate another minute. Once you’ve joined that tribe, might I challenge you to be authentic with them. Don’t hide your fears, your flaws and your needs. You’ll be amazed at the support (and respect) that comes when you are transparent with your tribe.
Tell me… how do you remain authentic in a world of masks?