“Should You Have To Pay To Have Lunch With ME?” That’s Jason Alba’s question below.
I am in the same position as Jason. It’s a great networking challenge. And it’s just like dating. People want to advance to home plate and take advantage of you without first touching all the bases. I’m just NOT that kind of fella.
I agree to meet in the rare case where I can clearly get something out of it, such as the other party is a heavy hitter or a prospective client.
Otherwise a meeting is an interim, not the first, step. It’s just like sending a networking introduction. The initiator must cultivate and not force the relationship, which respect both parties’ time. There are issues and questions that need to be addressed:
- Is the initiator showing genuine interest by understanding me, showing common interests, writing a custom personal email and not a form letter, and flattering my zaftig shape in that sexy pink polka dot dress?
- How exactly can I help him?
- What do I get out of it?
- Can I point him to other resources like my LinkedIn wiki?
I don’t put out on the first request. I’ll start with an email exchange, advance to a phone call, and THEN meet if there is mutual interest. I’m really not playing hard to get. I’m building a relationship.
Otherwise if they just want to meet and use you, I agree with Jason. I invite the other party to come to one of our DallasBlue events where he or she can meet me. And I can be all his or hers if they want … for the price of my consulting fee.
Marc
——– Original Message ——–
From: | Jason Alba |
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Check out this post where I tell people why I can’t go to lunch for them unless they pay my hourly rate:
Jason Alba
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Be as cranky as you want to be
Published January 31, 2011 Commentary , Humor , Research Leave a CommentThis artificial America of high self esteem, low performance, and religious pomposity places a premium on proper attitude. Our lives and our health are the result of fate and a divine force if good and self-indulgence and neglect if not. Well, turns out your cells and bugs really don’t care what you believe or think in A Fighting Spirit Won’t Save Your Life.
So be as cranky as you want to be, whether you’re healthy, sick, or even dying. But it’s still always a good idea to be fit, eat right, and call your mother at least once a week.
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