How to step out of the shadows and make an impact – even as an introvert, empath or highly sensitive person

 

“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.

Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”

Brené Brown

Hi, I’m Jen, 

I grew up with a BIG fear of visibility and being judged.

When I was 3, my mother was diagnosed with mental health issues and I was constantly afraid my friends would mock her and me for being different.

I didn’t purposefully set out to become a Super Connecter.  

As I moved through my career and forged connection after connection, referring people and forming collaborative networks, it happened.  

I started networking young.  At ten, I was gifted my first typewriter and it became one of my most prized possessions. I spent hours typing letters to pen pals dotted around the globe.  You could say LinkedIn is my adult version of this.

Whether it’s a friendly message across LinkedIn or a coffee and a chat, people work best with people they know, like and trust.

My first job after graduating from university with an English degree was an Editors Assistant in a tiny cubicle looking out to sea with no people around me and this suited me perfectly as an introvert.  In short, I hid!

I moved to London from Dublin and found my stride in the financial sector.  On the face of it I was thriving but one thing was holding me back.

I felt daunted and intimidated by how to use LinkedIn.

What do you do when you’re fearful of something? You learn about it!

I started studying a social media diploma with Pitman Training and raised my profile.  Became known among my peers.

I entered my first award at the age of 40 – the most networked PA in London.

And I won!

I realised I couldn’t hide anymore.

I found my safe place on LinkedIn on and went on to win national and global awards as a result of my love of online connection.

Life often has a way of giving us a gentle, or in my case, a painful nudge toward taking action and realising our true purpose.  In 2013, I slipped a disc in my back.  Forced to step away from my successful career in the corporate world, I had time to reflect. It was time to follow my intuition and true calling.

That and I had seen so many people give up on their dreams. They just couldn’t get a handle on forming connections.  Networking was a scary word.

Fast forward to today and I help fellow introverted and empathic female entrepreneurs around the globe to toot their horn on LinkedIn and to generate opportunities through their personal brand and network.

I’m living in Devon by the sea with my husband Mike.

I’ve helped over 650 amazing individuals to showcase how amazing they are so that they can reach their ideal clients and achieve their dreams.

No more hiding and playing it small.

Why LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with almost 1 billion members.  It’s the best platform to initiate connections amongst professionals and yet it’s often under-used by those who need it the most.

I know first-hand that confidence and networking skills can be learned and honed.  My methods are not based on needlessly acquiring followers, but on cultivating meaningful relationships where the real opportunities lie.

Everything starts with a simple connection.

When not working you’ll find me exploring South Devon with Mike or binging on a good tv series.

Reach out and say hi to me HERE on LinkedIn.

Warmly,

Jen x

 

5 Things I Stand For:

  1. Honesty – always open and honest is the only way to be. Lead with vulnerability. Being upfront about the challenges is the catalyst for positive change.
  2. Accessibility – Anyone can be part of this. Whether you’re a LinkedIn newbie, a cynic or life long introvert. I adapt to fit what feels right for you and in a medium which suits your learning style.
  3. Connection – I champion the power of connection and joining dots in our networks to build lasting relationships. I think humans first, technology second. Social interaction and how to be part of the conversation can be learnt.
  4. Kindness – begin with kindness. It enables learning and opens our minds to new ways of doing things. Generosity without expectations then pass it on. Feels good huh?
  5. Synergy – finding common ground and ways to truly work better together to create breakthroughs, fresh thinking and more powerful solutions. You can almost feel those neurons firing.

Charities and Sustainability

I’m working on offsetting my carbon footprint by funding climate projects and planting trees where they’re most needed with Treeapp.