Networking

As part of my project 365 for 2010, I've been to a couple of networking events. And there seem to be some people who are very good at it. And who enjoy it.

Unfortunately I'm not one of those who enjoy networking. Probably because it has work in it. Walking up to a complete stranger, exchanging cards and discussing each others business does not seem to be my cup of tea. I SUCK at it.

And to make matters worse, most people try to sell you their services, and if they realize you are not a target disappear before you can blink. And then there are the really suave ones. They pretend to be interested in your business, try and say that they would like to discuss working together and then try and do a hard sell and convert you into their client.

There are several networking games that get played. Such as introducing a contact. This typically means giving a telephone number or an e-mail address. Am not at all convinced that this helps in getting any kind of advantage. Most of this information can in any case be got relatively easily. The issue is to get a meeting. And that can only be got by a personal introduction. Which I'm guessing can and should only happen when 2 individuals become good friends. Not meet for a few seconds at networking events and give contact numbers. How do you recommend someone when you don't know them well enough. And I guess this is one of the failure points of these meetings. No one has the time to get to know another well.

I'm guessing there would be good people out there too. People who would like to make a network without any ulterior motives. And do get in touch if you think you fit the bill. :-)

If at some point it results in a mutually beneficial business opportunity, that's a bonus. But I believe that any relationship that starts of as a business opportunity is doomed to failure. And I'd like to make this a success. So am looking forward to meeting people, some of who will become good friends for life.

Irrespective of whether or not we ever do business.