A few months ago I was scheduled to speak at an event in Stamford, CT. The organizer sent an email to the group discussing my credentials and that I would be discussing how they as business people can interview more effectively. I received an email from someone in the group saying that they cannot attend my presentation, but think that we would be good networking leads for each other. They then described what they do and said that they do have clients from time to time who could use my services. Great! It looked like it would be a good fit. I emailed them back, and said that I knew people who could definitely use their services, and here’s where I always meet them. I also said that I’d love to get together with them for coffee sometime.
This person responded that they only work with corporate decision makers, not individuals, and if I knew where to find those people, that’s what they needed. They did not take me up on my offer for coffee.
I was stunned!
First, I was trying to be nice, and sincerely thought I had a great lead for them. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that these people needed the services of this company because they had asked me if I knew anyone who did that kind of work. I wasn’t giving her a cold lead.
Second, I’m not going to refer a client of mine to anyone without meeting him or her first, and I would assume that other coaches would work the same way.
Third, I don’t presume to know anyone’s business, and maybe this person has found that it isn’t worth her time to work with individuals vs. a corporation. That’s fine. But, do you think that I kept her information in my email address book?
As you walk down the road of networking, keep in mind that people are just trying to be helpful. They mean no harm. Even though the first thing out of their mouth could be the silliest idea you ever heard, be polite. Because the second thing out of their mouth could be the BEST idea you’ve ever heard.
In the example above, my brush-off is very apparent, but keep in mind the same principal when you’re in front of someone. Your body language, eye movement, slight snicker after they give you an idea will either tell them you’re receptive to more, or that you’re just going to make fun of them