From Cringe to Clarity: What My Networking Flop Taught Me About Showing Up in Business
Yesterday, I attended a local business networking event to promote my bookkeeping business. I walked in feeling confident. Around the table, conversations flowed, laughs were shared, and I was fully in my element—connecting with other professionals who genuinely cared about their craft.
And then… the microphone came out.
Suddenly, the warm chatter gave way to a structured moment: “Please stand up and introduce your business.”
That’s when the disaster struck.
🎤 The Moment I Froze
I stood up, heart racing, holding the mic like it might bite me. My thoughts scattered. The polished pitch I had mentally rehearsed vanished. What came out instead was a fragmented version of who I am and what I do—none of it landed the way I’d hoped. I sat down feeling embarrassed, wishing I could rewind and press “re-record.”
What I Learned (And What I’m Doing Differently)
1. We’re all human—and that’s okay
That moment reminded me that imperfection is part of the journey. It’s easy to write captions and blog posts from behind the screen. Speaking into a microphone with real people watching? A whole different ballgame. And it’s okay not to nail it every time.
2. Preparation is powerful—but self-compassion matters more
Yes, having an elevator pitch matters. But so does forgiving ourselves when delivery doesn’t match intention. I showed up, I tried, and next time—I’ll be ready with a pitch that feels natural, not memorized.
3. My strength is in connection, not performance
I thrive in one-on-one chats, in creating content that simplifies the complex, and in helping small business owners feel confident. That’s my sweet spot. And even if public speaking isn’t where I shine (yet!), it doesn’t define my value.
Moving Forward
I’m rewriting my pitch today, not just to memorize it—but to own it. Something simple, clear, and authentic. I’ll practice it until it feels like second nature.
And next time the mic comes out? I’ll take a deep breath, remember why I’m there, and remind myself: no flop defines me. I’m still showing up. And that’s what matters most.