One of my 5 minute warm up sketches… more to come!! 

Stay Calm and Rock on…. How to conquer your nerves!

I have to say I am soooo distracted right now… just thinking about all the exciting things going on today (stay tuned to my social media to find out – links below).
I have to take a deep breath and breathe it all in because sometimes firsts like these need to be celebrated!

Today (as you read this) I am supporting my fiancé while filming something awesome for About.com regarding technology.  He always manages to be SOOO FREAKIN calm while filming all the things he does. It is truly a talent and he makes it look so easy.

I need to absorb some of that “calmness” from him because TONIGHT I will be live drawing (!!!!!!!!!) for a major new retail concept launch event in midtown Manhattan with loads of press and high fashion players. I am so excited and I can’t wait to see what the night will hold.

Speaking about that…. I was talking to my sister yesterday about an exciting event that SHE is attending this weekend and again, the topic of how to stay calm and rock the night came up…… I seem to feel a blog post coming on….

So here are my top tips for conquering your nerves and showing up to rock the scene.

1. Remember that we are all humans.

Meeting people that inspire you, who have made a major mark in the world and whom you aspire to be like can be very daunting and nerves can set in.  Remember that we are all human beings and they were all at the same stage you are at some point.  Looking at someone as though they are untouchable is a great way to choke on your words, and we don’t what that to happen.  In your mind remind yourself that they have hopes, dreams and fears just like you, they eat breakfast in the morning and they want to lay in their pjs and sleep late sometimes too!  They have worked extremely hard to get where they have gotten and that deserves major respect.  Take a note from them and see how it’s done to live a life you have always dreamed of.

2. Lead with your passions.

To be in the same industry, we all share the same passions. Lead with what you are inspired by and the words will flow out of you naturally. No need for stiff rehearsed elevator pitches, although it is good to know what you would like to say and know it so well you can feel it in your bones.   Which leads me to…

3. Make genuine connections.

Authentically ask about things you are interested to know. Getting to know someone through pure curiosity about what makes them tick, and what they stand for as a person is a sure fire way to make a real connection.  Ask questions you care about as opposed to what you THINK they want to hear.  Know you will be guided to meet the people you are supposed to meet!

4. Be polite, be polished and be patient. 

Use every opportunity when meeting someone new to be polite and engaging.  Be polished – put care and thought into your appearance and your style because what you wear and what you look like SPEAKS VOLUMES before you even open your mouth.  Dress like how you want to come across. Follow up with email or text after you meet someone but be patient – know that if you do make a connection these people are just as busy if not MORE busy than you are.  If you feel a real connection is made trust that they will get back to you when they can.

That’s it for now folks… I am returning to “polishing” myself off for what lies ahead today.

Wishing you luck and fun on your next endeavors and as always…
Hope that inspires you!

xoxo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel