Put Yourself At The VIP Table

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Putting yourself out there is hard. No matter how confident you feel, imposter syndrome has a way of cropping up when you least expect it. And that’s a shame, because some really amazing connections and conversations can happen when you overcome imposter syndrome and put yourself at the VIP table (literally!). 

I got to thinking about how important this is after the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop where I was a speaker. During the conference, I sat down for lunch at a table where a woman was already sitting. She was a writer and a conference attendee. More speakers joined us at the table, and soon the attendee started saying that maybe she should sit somewhere else since this was the unofficial “speaker’s table.” Of course, we all said she should absolutely stay! We had a great conversation and connected as fellow writers.

I was struck by this interaction. I think many people would have the same reaction as this attendee did. It’s easy to feel like there is a divide at professional events that separates the crowd, with the experts and speakers on one side and the audience on the other. But great things can happen when you get to mingle and talk across that division.

It’s so important to put yourself at the VIP table. Talk to the presenters. Ask questions and share about yourself, too. If you go to a conference and don’t speak to anyone, you’re not making the most of the experience! I know it’s not easy, but you’ll be surprised by how impactful it can be.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for the next time you find yourself in this situation:

1. Everyone is there to learn and connect.

Yep, even the speakers! That’s one of my favorite things about speaking – getting to learn as well. At a conference, everyone chose to be there and show up because they are looking for community and connection. That is the baseline. Even for the VIPs, like keynote speakers, panelists, and invited guests. They want to be engaged with the big ideas shaping the field. They want to learn too and be part of the community. You have more in common than you think!

2. Be curious about where VIPs started. 

Everyone has been a beginner at some point. Yep, every single person. The keynote speaker once felt the same way you do. VIPs remember being new and feeling like everyone else has more knowledge and experience. No one was born knowing everything! Asking people questions and being curious about their journeys is one of the best ways to connect with VIPs who have a lot to share about how they got where they are today.

3. Embrace the discomfort. 

Even when you know all about imposter syndrome, it might still feel uncomfortable to put yourself at the VIP table. But the discomfort doesn’t mean you should step away. If you know ahead of time that you might feel a little awkward, you can acknowledge that feeling and stay anyway. It’s normal to feel that way when you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. The more you do it, the easier it will feel.

I hope these tips help you step up and put yourself at the VIP table next time you have the opportunity to try it! 

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BONUS FREEBIE: Your message deserves the media’s attention. So how do you get out there in a bigger way? I’ve got you covered. CLICK HERE to grab my free “Checklist to Become a Go-To Media Expert.”

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