Something I’ve noticed over the years is how many incredibly capable people feel completely at ease in a professional environment.

Put them in a meeting and they know exactly what to do. They can talk about their work, lead a conversation, meet a new client, introduce themselves, ask questions and find common ground without giving it too much thought.

Then put the same person into a room socially, where there is no business agenda and suddenly it can feel very different.

How do I start a conversation? What do I talk about? Do I just walk up to people I don’t know? What if I’ve come on my own?

I actually think this happens to far more people than we realise.

In our professional lives, we usually have a role. There’s a reason for the conversation and something obvious to talk about. Socially, we’re meeting each other in a much more personal way, without necessarily having a role, title or agenda to hide behind, and for many of us that hasn’t had nearly as much practice.

That’s another reason Harbour After Dark matters to me.

I want it to be a place where you can simply get more comfortable being around new people again. Somewhere you can walk into a room without needing to pitch yourself, prove anything or have a particular agenda, and gradually get to know people as people.

Some conversations will last five minutes. Others might continue long after the evening finishes. Over time, familiar faces start becoming friendships, and walking into the room becomes easier because you’re no longer surrounded entirely by strangers.

And like most things in life, the more we do it, the more natural it becomes.

If this sounds like the kind of room you’d like to be part of, secure your ticket.

Come on your own or bring a friend. Either way, you don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what to say or who you’re going to meet.

Just come and be part of the room.

Cristina