This morning our building had a meet and greet where business professionals showed up to swap business cards, drink coffee and eat pastries. I attended, hoping to snag some commercial work, braving the small talk and bored looking ad guys. As I sit, growing more uncomfortable in the setting, failing at small talk and keenly aware that I am doing so, I notice a few things about the people around me.
The hostess is nice and genuine.
The lady who keeps commandeering the conversation fancies herself high society, and would be a horrible mother in law.
The bored looking ad guy is arrogant. It’s his eyebrows I don’t like. They’re permanantly uplifted in a state of incredulity. If he could be paid for being a skeptic, he would.
The architect is a nice guy, but is merely there to see people he knows.
I can only imagine what they think of me as I sit, talk to a few people uncomfortably, then grab some coffee and leave. What I do think is true is that if you are adept at superficial small talk, then you are better at networking than if you try to talk to people at some level of depth.
But I may just be telling myself that to make me feel better.
What’s wrong with the hostess?
Roger
July 23rd, 2008
“But I may just be telling myself that to make me feel better.”
Nope. Generally, you’re right.
Networkers aren’t generally looking for a relationship, just someone to work with on projects near and dear to them.
Try to go too deep and you’ll likely scare them away.
So, do what any good Christian man would do in a time of self-doubt and confusion… Turn to Larry King.
Try to find the book “How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere” by Larry King.
It may help with that part of the businessman/artist deal.
Marty
July 24th, 2008
Roger: I meant my take on the hostess might be wrong. I don’t think I phrased that well.
Marty: That book told me to wear suspenders and smoke cigarettes.
Brian
August 12th, 2008