Just Be Nice Please

I am often asked to speak....for free.  Unlike my son, Greg Peters, The Reluctant Networker, I do agree to these requests.  Greg's speaking career is much more advanced than mine and he deserves to be paid.  But back to me!

Groups that ask me to donate money.....after all, my time is money when I'm giving my expertise.  I hope they'd realize that they need and should want to give something in return.  I know, I know, I get my meal paid for and sometimes I get a nice pen or plaque.  But beyond that, they need to make a big deal over this person.

A member of the group should be assigned as my go-to person.  That someone is my contact person both before the talk and then also actually at the event to welcome me!  This ambassador should take the time to find out something about me (either by calling in advance or Googling me) so that when making an introduction to another member, they can give a little synopsis. 


I can't tell how many times I have NOT received the above.  A couple times I've arrived at an event and the few people in attendance asked me who I was and why I  was there.Suspiciously!  

 

One time I was told to sit at the head table and no one sat with me at the long expanse.  Talk about feeling a little weird.  Funny thing, for that talk, I was asked to speak about how a group could be more welcoming! Obviously they needed to hear my message.

So I don't ask for much, just a friendly face and perhaps an introduction that could lead to business for me.

What's your take on this?

Push-back, Big-time!

 A friend of mine was recently rebuffed in her networking attempts.  You see, she had met a fellow business owner at a networking event where they shared a table. (Let's call him Joe)  She wanted to reach out to Joe just to further the connection.  The appointment was held, but constantly through the appointment, Joe kept saying, "I just don't know why you're here.  I don't need what you offer.  Why are we spending this time together?"

Of course, my friend was frustrated.  She was NOT selling her services and truly just wanted to get to know Joe.  But it didn't happen.  Because the walls were up. (In Joe's defense, probably he had been sold to in such an appointment previously.)

What did Joe miss by being so afraid?

• He missed the opportunity to meet a really neat woman who is fun, compassionate, interesting AND connected.

• Joe missed an opportunity to add to the resources available for his future needs or even his clients needs.

• Joe missed an opportunity to tell someone else a bit about himself in order to find a connection and perhaps a new friend. 

• Joe missed an opportunity to link to someone who could be a future customer/client.  And there is considerable competition in his business segment. 

How would you have handled this situation if you were in my friend's shoes?