I am flying solo on my way to Sydney for the Australian Finance Industry Awards. I am a finalist in the Bookkeeper of the year category so thought it might be a fun night out celebrating with my peers. It is great timing because the weather is surprisingly awful in Queensland this weekend.
Travelling to the biggest Aussie smoke is always a bit scary for me. I have lived there a couple of times, but everything seems to move faster, and I am not confident in finding my way around, so I am out of my comfort zone. That feeling kind of goes with the territory. I am a bookkeeper. We love being in control. But it is probably a good reminder about how new clients must feel when they reach out to us for help. Unsure and nervous.
It might not only be the location that is making me nervous. Going to a big social event without a wing man, with hundreds of people, and not knowing anyone is intimidating. I worry about everything. Will I spill something? (Already spilt coffee at the airport). Will I say something stupid? (Guaranteed. It's my trademark). Will people judge what I am wearing? (Probably not). With so much irrelevant stuff swirling around my head, I have not given much thought to how I will feel if I win or lose.
Here is the real truth. I am not great at the networking stuff. I always feel awkward and clumsy when I meet new people, then I overcompensate by talking really loud and fast and I overshare. I am actually really envious of people who find this stuff a breeze. I am more of the "fake it till you make it" type of gal, while I am also balancing trying not to cause an international incident. I have come to see it as part of my charm, but I do see people looking at me and wondering how I get through the day, let alone run a bookkeeping practice when I am such a complete numpty.
So, back to the Awards Gala. If you see me tonight, please be kind. If I am smiling, look closer. It is probably sheer panic (or I am
singing “These are a few of my favourite things” from Sound of Music in my head). If I say something ridiculous, please laugh. And if I
accidently throw wine at you, I apologise in advance. This girl's a'trippin!
OMG, I just had another thought. What if I win and have to make a speech? Now I have something else to worry about.
Stay 'Appy!
If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. Where's the tax invoice?
