Joining Community Is (Not) Scary

Making friends at the office can be intimidating and exciting at the same time especially on your first day. After the first greetings, you see everyone is going back to their station to start working (to impress your boss of course duh!). When it’s lunchtime, everyone has been friends with each other for months or even years.  “Oh no, I will be busy adapting instead of focusing on my career” your silly thought comes. It doesn’t matter who you are or what’s your personality type but when it comes to meeting new friends, we can say that it’s okay to feel anxious.

In anticipation of losing a war before starting it, you have to remember that no man can live without a community. The case is the same when it comes to the community in the realm of business and work. When you consider you are a part of the community, the unique support and network are irreplaceable for your personal growth and developments. You have the confidence to take a risk and exploring new ideas. Being a part of the community also make the whole working environment thriving and increases opportunities for collaboration and more ideas growth within it.

Being a part of the community also make the whole working environment thriving and increases opportunities for collaboration and more ideas growth within it.

Then what if you are an entrepreneur or have to support your own business? Join the wider community which have similarity towards your business visions. You’ll find other entrepreneurs who have already achieved what you have set for your business and getting insider tips from them. It is important to have mutual support. Ask for advice, get recommendations, build a new network (it is not as scary as you thought it would be).

What is the simplest thing that might sound corny but actually works? It’s maintaining a smile while introducing yourself. Keeping a smile will make your brain think that you feel good and spread those feel-good-hormones into your whole body. With that, you can miraculously be looking good, lively, friendly, and excited that people feel comfortable to connect with you. The first impression always last.

May you always be interested, be a good listener, open yourself to others, take some initiative, don’t be afraid to ask something, observe the current culture and habits, have some lunch together, bring some treats, add them to your social media, and the most important thing is to set an open mind about everyone in your office. Just keep praying to deliver yourself from the temptation to gossip about others.

Don’t forget to join us in our Starke community by subscribing and following our Instagram account @starkeleather! Can’t wait to get to know you.