Social sucess....

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Hi guy I just returned from a long business trip to some customer professional conventions. Everyone said I did great .

It was a bit uncomfortable though. How do you all trade off comfort/ sucess/ not being alone.

I went to do studies about how my companies products are used but ended up having to socialize with customers and sales reps. People seemed to think i was funny and entertaining - but I still felt uncomfortable.

Work is planning another such trip for me to spain. Does anyone ever get used to business dinners and such.

julieme,

Congrats on your successes. It sounds like you did some homework before venturing out.

Are you familiar with Toastmasters or other speaker's clubs? Speaking as a TM member, I know they'd train you well for the type of work you're doing. As a personal experience I see and feel the influence they are having on me and it looks like I'll be with them for a good, long tenure.

Just an idea

That really is something to be proud of! Having a success like that can be so encouraging! It can be soooo stressful, but if they're planning for you to go on another trip, you must have done an excellent job.

Here's a good site to peruse before having to do business social things. It can help you look out for social cues:
http://members.aol.com/nonverbal2/diction1.htm

I had a similar experience recently. Yesterday, I went to a department meeting with all the engineers and the big wigs of my firm. The work that I do is closely related to computer programming, but I do have some client interaction. I redesigned our client's website after that project was dropped into my lap by someone who realized what a HUGE job it would be. Since I was so familar with the client's site and their needs, I was the one chosen to pick up the pieces. Anyway, after nearly a year, I was able to complete the redesign. At yesterday's meeting, I received an award (complete with $100 in a gift cheque) in front of all the big bosses and everyone I worked with. I was very surprised. Afterwards, we had a little happy hour and I had to be social. I did very well since I've been practicing and practicing social situations. My bosses and coworkers seemed very happy to have me there and I felt important.

So good for you! Keep practicing...it will get easier (but it will still be exhausing) and you'll be able to gauge how much downtime you need following the event. Congratulations!

If they're saying you did great, are funny, and are entertaining, I'd be greatly encouraged by that. You've obviously done well. Well done!

Around 1996/97 I went to a lot of business breakfasts, with the Director of the company where I worked at the time (actually there were just the two of us). The business was a member of the local Chamber of Commerce who put on these breakfasts. They started at 7am and I always turned up for them drowsy.

Socially, I preferred to sit back and listen, and let the Director who was the complete opposite of me (Extroverted, dominant and a big talker) do the bulk of the talking and communicating. But it was a good experience being involved with these breakfasts, the Chamber of Commerce and the local business world.