Hi! This is Al Martella – Thank you to Andrea for allowing me to share some thoughts about networking this week.
I was recently in a shop I don’t frequent often. I walked in, was greeted with a big hello and served with genuine enthusiasm. Then it happened!
I noticed a business opening across the road from the shop. I asked the server if they knew what kind of business was opening? The server’s response blew me away.
“I’m sorry – I should know that. Next time you are in, I’ll get you the answer.”
As I mentioned, I visit this shop infrequently. The server could have easily said – “Sorry, I don’t know.”
Several weeks later, I returned to the shop and saw the same server.
“Hi! Good to see you again. The last time you were here, you asked me what was going up across the road. I did some research. It’s a cosmetics store. They’ll be open next month.”
I could not believe that the server actually remembered me and my question. The server made me feel great by taking my question seriously.
So how does this relate to networking?
At your next networking session, if you are stumped by someone’s question, why not use the same approach:
“I’m sorry – I should know that. I’ll get you the answer.”
Think about the how impressed the person will feel by your follow-up and the fact that you remembered them and their question.
You never know where that may lead!
What do you think? Andrea and I would love to hear from you and your thoughts and suggestions.