It's been a long time since I've been to a professional meeting or networking event. The other evening I attended one in order to get a feel for a community or 'tribe' that I may be interested in joining. I didn't bring any business cards. Just a notebook and pen to record what I was thinking or capture any information of value. What I discovered is that there is a fine line between selling, self-promotion, and having an interest in the other person that you networking with. Jeffrey Gitomer says, "People don't like to be sold, but they like to BUY!" Any astute person knows when they are being targeted for a sale. Any intelligent person knows when they are being hustled. I get the fact that many people use networking events to make new connections and perhaps find potential customers, referrals, or clients. But I think a networking event is more effective if the intent is for people to genuinely learn about other people's inte...
Management | Consulting | Leadership | Strategy