How to Put Yourself Out There: Practical Tips for Building Confidence and Meeting New People

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 13 March 2023 6 min read

Everyone wants to make meaningful connections and meet new people, but it's not always easy to know where to start. In this blog, we'll explore practical tips on how to put yourself out there by embracing your personality, improving your social skills, exploring new activities, seeking networking opportunities, and practicing self-care. Let's dive in and build the confidence you need to meet new people and create lasting connections.

1. Embrace Your Personality

Before you can put yourself out there, it's essential to understand and embrace your unique personality. This will help you feel more confident and make it easier to connect with others authentically. Let's look at some strategies to help you embrace your personality.

Identify Your Strengths

Knowing your strengths will help you feel more confident and showcase your best qualities to others. So, think about what you're good at and what sets you apart from the crowd. Maybe you have a great sense of humor, or you're an excellent listener. Whatever it is, own it and use it as a foundation for how to put yourself out there.

Accept Your Flaws

Nobody's perfect, and that's okay! Recognizing and accepting your flaws can actually make you more relatable to others. Be honest with yourself about the areas where you can improve, but don't beat yourself up about them. Embracing your imperfections helps you feel more comfortable in your own skin and can even make others feel more at ease around you.

Develop Your Personal Brand

Think of yourself as a brand and consider how you want to present yourself to the world. This includes your appearance, communication style, and even your online presence. For example, you might choose to dress in a way that reflects your personality or use social media to showcase your interests. Developing your personal brand will help you stand out and give others a clear sense of who you are, making it easier to put yourself out there and attract like-minded people.

Having good social skills is a key part of putting yourself out there and making new connections. Honing these skills will not only boost your confidence but also help you navigate social situations more effectively. Let's explore some practical ways to improve your social skills.

Active Listening

People appreciate feeling heard and understood. To become a better listener, practice active listening by fully focusing on the speaker, asking open-ended questions, and summarizing what they said to show that you've been paying attention. By doing this, you'll not only make others feel valued but also learn more about them, creating a stronger connection.

Effective Communication

Expressing yourself clearly and confidently is crucial in social situations. To improve your communication skills, practice speaking up in conversations, sharing your thoughts, and asking questions. Remember, it's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Use a friendly tone, maintain eye contact, and be aware of your body language to make your message more impactful.

Non-Verbal Cues

A large part of communication is non-verbal, so it's essential to be aware of the signals you're sending with your body language, facial expressions, and gestures. For example, maintain eye contact to show interest, smile to convey warmth, and use open body language (e.g., uncrossing your arms) to signal that you're approachable. Being mindful of your non-verbal cues can help you make a positive impression and put yourself out there more effectively.

3. Explore New Activities

One of the best ways to put yourself out there is by trying new activities and stepping out of your comfort zone. Engaging in different experiences allows you to meet new people, learn new skills, and boost your self-confidence. Let's take a look at some ideas for exploring new activities.

Join Local Groups

Seek out local clubs, organizations, or hobby groups that interest you. Whether it's a sports team, a book club, or an art collective, participating in group activities can help you connect with like-minded individuals and expand your social circle. Plus, having a shared interest can be a great conversation starter!

Volunteer in Your Community

Volunteering can be a rewarding way to meet new people and make a positive impact on your community. Look for local opportunities that align with your values or interests, such as helping out at a food bank, participating in a neighborhood cleanup, or assisting at an animal shelter. Not only can volunteering help you build connections, but it can also give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Attend Workshops and Classes

Learning something new can be both fun and fulfilling. Sign up for workshops, classes, or seminars in areas you're curious about, whether it's cooking, dancing, or public speaking. These events not only provide a chance to develop new skills but also offer an opportunity to interact with others who share your interests, making it easier to put yourself out there and forge new relationships.

4. Networking Opportunities

Networking is a key component of putting yourself out there, as it can lead to forming new friendships, discovering job opportunities, and expanding your professional connections. Here are some approaches to help you make the most of networking events and platforms.

Meetup Events

Meetup events can be a fantastic way to connect with others in your area who share similar interests or professional goals. Websites like Meetup.com enable you to find and join local groups based on your preferences. These events can range from casual social gatherings to more formal presentations and workshops. Remember to be open and approachable at these events, making it easier for others to strike up conversations and get to know you.

Professional Conferences

Attending industry conferences can help you gain valuable insights, stay updated on trends, and make meaningful connections in your professional field. Conferences often provide ample opportunities for networking, such as mixers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. Be prepared with a brief introduction about yourself and your work, as well as some questions or conversation starters to engage with fellow attendees.

Don't underestimate the power of social media when it comes to networking and putting yourself out there. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can help you connect with professionals in your industry, stay informed about relevant events, and showcase your skills and accomplishments. Make sure to maintain an active and polished online presence, engage with others by liking, commenting, and sharing their content, and be open to connecting with new people who share your interests or professional aspirations.

5. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is an important aspect of putting yourself out there, as it helps you maintain a healthy balance between your personal and social life. By taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, you'll be better prepared to face new challenges and opportunities. Here are some tips to help you practice self-care and build resilience.

Exercise and Nutrition

Maintaining a regular exercise routine and eating a balanced diet can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. Exercise can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and increase your energy levels—making it easier for you to engage with new people and activities. Likewise, a healthy diet can improve your mental clarity and overall health, ensuring that you feel your best when putting yourself out there.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you stay present and focused in social situations, as well as improve your overall mental health. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, while meditation is a more formal practice that involves focusing your attention on a specific point or activity. Both can help you manage stress, increase self-awareness, and develop a greater sense of inner calm—qualities that can support you in putting yourself out there with confidence.

Setting Boundaries

When you're putting yourself out there, it's important to set healthy boundaries that protect your time, energy, and well-being. This might involve learning to say "no" to certain invitations or requests, taking breaks when you need them, and being mindful of your own limits. By setting boundaries, you can ensure that your social and professional engagements are more enjoyable and fulfilling, and that you're able to maintain a strong sense of self in the process.

If you're looking to expand your social presence and build a strong network, don't miss out on Ansh Mehra's workshop, 'How to Network and Grow Your Social Presence.' This workshop will provide you with essential tips and strategies to help you effectively connect with others and grow your online presence in the creative community.