Recently, I went to an event from an association of women entrepreneurs. The event propose was to meet other women entrepreneurs and discuss different topics and challenges we face as women with businesses. The event was from 9am to 3pm, and you could choose to be there for the whole event or go to the first part of the event or second part. I had a prior engagement so I decided to go for the second part.
When I got there, which it was difficult to find, because they didn't say it was in a school for adults, they only gave me an address so as I arrived I was not sure if I had the right address. There was a poster of the event outside so I thought it must be here. I went in with the intention of asking if I was in the right place. I was, no-one told me but I saw another poster. I entered the building, and at the end of the corridor I saw a stand for the event. I went there with the propose of greeting the people that was there. While I walked, they all went in the room where the speeches took place. There was nobody to greet me or welcome me. I felt a bit awkward.
photo by Ospan Ali
There were some papers and leaflets on the table and a pen. Was I spouse to write my name or something? There were some bags that looked like there were meant to be given for the attendees, too. Would they give one later?
I thought to myself, never mind, I know some people here, and my boss is here somewhere too.
I know what are you thinking right now, if you have a boss why are you there? I am teacher and a writer, as teacher I have a boss, but as a writer I am my own boss.
I went into the conference room, there was a few people there, but I didn't know anyone there. I remember from reading the program that there was a coffee break, so I followed all the chatting noises and found some people I knew. I had nice day, but it wasn't it great.
At the end of the event my boss said to me "Julia when are you joining? Everyone else has." Joining the association she meant, but I wasn't sure I wanted to, until this morning I did not understand what was holding me back.
I wanted to be welcome!
I was not welcome. I had to find my way and fence for myself with these knew people, and it is a little difficult to do when you are a little shy, like I am.
Connection
A host or hostess is not just a pretty face. They are a bridge. If one of the women from the event had acted as a hostess, I would have been welcomed. I would have known where things were. I would have known there was a draw and that I was suppose to fill out a small form to be in the draw, and I would have be given one of those bags.
It would have made my experience so much different.
So if you are part of a club, association or anything like that and you want newcomers to join, make sure you greet them and make them feel welcome. Make sure they want to be part of if.
How to do it?
1. Have one or two hosts or hostesses (depends on how big the event is) to be at the entrance to welcome everyone specially new people and to explain how things work.
2. If it is possible have the host or hostess to go in with the newcomer and introduce them to a couple of people there. That way they won't feel out of place. Some people don't need this, because by nature the can talk to anyone. But others like me would be grateful for the helping hand.
3. If you want them to join, someone should explain what they get if they join, how much money it is, if there are any requirements or rules. Basically everything should be explained.
4. If there are any freebies there are usually given at the begining or during the event. Think who is giving them and when.
I studied to be a hostess after high school so this is my advice to make sure people feel welcome. I hope it is helpful.
If you have any comments or questions, please write them.
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