I got a big chuckle out of the front page story in the New York Times Style section this past Sunday, “Pencil It In Under 'Not Happening’”
It seems that we’re all so overscheduled these days that the greatest gift someone can give us is the gift of free time…when they have to cancel or reschedule an appointment. I know I sometimes feel the same sense of euphoria the writer mentioned when I suddenly find myself with a free hour on my schedule.
Still, even when I do wish for that extra hour back but the hoped-for phone call to reschedule doesn’t come, I do end up enjoying the face-to-face time I spend with my friend or colleague. Aside from the chance to get out of my own world for awhile, on some occasions, that meeting turned out to be especially fortuitous because it triggered a lead for new business.
The moral is to keep yourself in circulation. And if you put your mind to it, you can get something out of almost any meeting. Feedback on an idea, a recommendation for something you’re looking for. There’s never an excuse to walk away thinking that you wasted an hour. Rather than just show up and go through the motions, turn the meeting into something that will be valuable for you.
On the flip side, you have the opportunity at every meeting to be valuable to the other person. Just simply ask the question, “What can I do to help you?” Even if you don’t have the capacity to provide the specific help they are seeking, the fact that you asked and that you listened, will go a long way.
© 2006, Liz Lynch
Liz Lynch is founder and executive director of the Center for Networking Excellence which develops products and programs to help professionals learn how to build profitable relationships. If you're ready to start networking smarter, get your free networking tips now at www.NetworkingExcellence.com .
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