One of the greatest pieces of advice I have ever received about networking and job searching was to ask myself, "What is the worst thing that could happen", when faced with doubt or fear. The reason this question is so valuable is that it can help you put everything in perspective.
Spoiler Alert: The worst thing is simply being told, "no", or a variation on "not right now". There are way worse things than hearing, "no". But NONE of those things will happen during your networking event or job interview.
Too many times I see my friends and colleagues become paralyzed with fear or doubt as if putting themselves out there will result in death or an incurable cancer diagnosis. I always ask myself this question when I start getting weak knees and it is a great way to remind myself that hearing, "no", is not the end of the world or a condemnation of me as a person.
All of us at one point or another find ourselves in this position where we have heard "no" so many times that it can feel like no one will ever tell us "yes" ever again. When a friend of mine was laid off he was really fired up to get a new job, but after 9 months of hearing, "no", he was defeated; mentally and physically.
He was so afraid to get dressed up, print off a resume, and pitch himself to yet another potential employer, that he almost gave up completely. I asked him this question one night and it sparked something in him. It took him another 5 months to finally land a job.
I cannot guarantee you will get that job, land that promotion, score that coffee with the right person, but I can promise that when you stop hearing the word, "no", as a barrier and start hearing it as a challenge, it will change the way you approach your search.
