Yep, summer break is over meaning only one thing – no I’m not talking about Christmas (though it’s probably not far away now!).

I’m talking about NETWORKING! 🙁

Don’t get me wrong, I know how important networking is to Virtual Assistants, the majority of our clients come from word of mouth & referrals, but try telling that to the butterflies happily doing somersaults in my stomach every time I think of it!

I’ve been putting off this moment for so long.  I’ve read and re-read just about every article going about networking… how to do it / how not to do it but all that pops into my head are memories of how embarrassed I was standing up in class at school and forgetting what I’m supposed to say (funny how things stay with you!).

I think I find it so difficult because of my work history – I’ve always been an administrator, kind of a background person quietly (& efficiently) getting on with the admin.  I’ve never had to sell myself or my services before so it doesn’t come naturally to me and, believe it or not, I’m incredibly shy!

But, after giving myself a good talking to (what am I 30-something or 10 for pete’s sake!), I’ve decided to take the plunge!  This is my business and I’m passionate about what I do – I know I can support sole traders / small businesses with their administration so why shouldn’t I be yelling it from the rooftops? Okay maybe that’s a bit too much (I’m afraid of heights!) but if I don’t believe in myself and the services I provide then how can I expect others to?

It’s time to let Ireland know OutofhoursAdmin is here!

So I will be attending my first ever networking meeting this week….. Wish me luck 😉