Attending your first event

What are some of the scariest things in life?

Finding a giant spider in the shower? Accidentally liking someone's Instagram post from 2019? Walking into a room full of people you've never met before?

Yeahhhhh, we'd say that last one is definitely up there.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is HARD!

There’s a whole load of hyping yourself up that goes on before you’ve even managed to step out of your front door. So when you finally pluck up the courage to come to your first event solo, it’s no wonder your nerves are on fire. 

If you’re still sitting on the fence, thinking that you just don’t quite have the courage to make that leap into your first Newcastle Girl’s Club event on your own, but you really really REALLY want to, this blog is just for you.

We’ve gathered up some hints and tips from our members, most of whom have been in your EXACT position before, and created a little guide to make sure you feel as comfortable and confident as humanly possible before your first NGC event.

Tip #1 - Remember, everyone was new once

It's easy to look around and think everyone already knows each other, but every single person in the room had a first event too!

Most of our members joined on their own, and they know that exact feeling of butterflies exploding in your tum as you walk through the door, and wondered exactly the same things you're probably thinking right now.

But, they did it! They took that first step, were welcomed with open arms, and now they’re fully part of our wonderful community. 

Nobody is judging you for walking through that door alone and a bit nervous (promise), they’re just buzzing they have someone new to chat to!

Tip #2 - Let us know it's your first event

When you first sign up, you’ll get a message from our lovely founder Melissa, who is also usually on hand at every event to greet you! We also have our wonderful team of ambassadors that are there to help out, so don't be shy about telling one of the team that it's your first event.

We'll happily introduce you to a few people, help you settle in and make sure you're not stood wondering what to do. We absolutely love meeting first-timers, so don't worry about feeling like you're making a fuss. You're not!

Tip #3 - Try not to hide behind your phone We know, we know... it's tempting.

Standing somewhere new with your phone in your hand can feel like the safest place to be, but you'll be surprised how quickly conversations start once you put it away.

A smile and a simple "Hi, is this your first event too?" goes a long way. Chances are, you've just started chatting to someone who's feeling exactly the same.

Tip #4 - Ask questions

This one's a goodie. We all love chatting about ourselves a bit, don’t we? So, if you're not sure how to get the conversation going, ask a question!

How long have they been coming to NGC? Have they been to this event before? Do they have any recommendations for future events?

Before you know it, you'll be chatting away like you've known each other for ages.

Tip #5 - Don't put pressure on yourself

You don't have to leave your first event with a brand new best friend (although you probs will).

Maybe you'll really click with someone straight away. Maybe you'll have a lovely evening, chat to some lovely new faces and decide to come along to another event.

Both are absolutely fine!

Building friendships takes time, and once you’re over that initial hurdle of enjoying your first event, it only gets easier from there.

Tip #6 - Keep coming

The biggest piece of advice our members gave? Come back!

The more events you come to, the more familiar faces you'll start to recognise, and before you know it you'll be the one welcoming someone who's attending for the first time.

It all starts with that first event.

If you’re thinking of joining us, there’s no better time!

We now run bi-monthly new starter events, which are the PERFECT way to come and say hello to other new faces, meet some of our ambassadors, and ease yourself in before you come along to your first ‘proper’ event. 

If you have any questions, or just need a little reassurance, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

We can’t wait to meet you!