Should I wake up early for that networking event?
Oh man. The weekly internal struggle.
This event sounds so cool. It’s been a month since I’ve made it to an event with this group. Morning people are so much more productive, I should be a morning person.”
But the event starts at 7 a.m. Shoot.
There are few networking debates harder than, “Should I wake up early and go?” And honestly, the only good answer is: it depends.
When should you say yes?
There are very few events that require a yes. If your boss asks you to go, if it’s a client event, or it could open the door to good opportunities (for example, it’s a more intimate event that will help you make good connections for your company or for your professional growth), I’d highly recommend going. One early morning is definitely a fair trade for the benefits of saying yes.
I also try to make sure that I say yes to a breakfast event or two for organizations I’m a part of if I’ve been extra busy and unable to make it to evening or weekend events. Sometimes the morning is all I can give them. So that’s when I grin and bear that 6am wakeup.
When should you say no?
Most folks understand that mornings are hard and won’t fault you for passing. While I wouldn’t recommend a blanket rule that you never attend a breakfast event, being selective is a good way to balance your sanity with your professional development.
I’m part of an organization that I LOVE and every time I make it to an event I leave feeling inspired. Sometimes I feel guilty because my busy schedule doesn’t allow me to be as active as I would like (and let’s be honest, sometimes I just don’t make the organization a priority over work, catching up with friends, attending family events, etc.). But it’s okay to say no if you know it’s in your best interest. If you’re in a busy season, it’s completely valid to decide you need that extra sleep or you need to get to the office early.
Can you make it a game-time decision?
It’s also okay to make it a game time decision. If an event is free and you know it’s a large group of attendees, it’s okay to decide in the moment if you should go. Use your best judgement on this though. If you know someone hosting the event, or someone is planning to meet you there, I would either commit in advance or pass. You don’t want to get a reputation as someone that can’t be trusted to attend – or leave a friend or co-worker to navigate an event alone.
In the grand scheme of things, your health and wellbeing should always be your priority. Networking events will always be there.
P.S. If you’re a morning person and can easily fit a pre-work event into your schedule without sacrificing sleep or feeling miserable in the morning, I salute you. (And I want to be you when I grow up.)
Featured image photo courtesy of bopphoto.
