Even good, successful people are people. And we make judgments and assumptions about others, some of which turn out to be true while others are not. The savvy networker must be mindful of this tendency because sometimes we get it wrong. I am no more immune than anyone else.
A few months ago I met someone at a Chamber event. I invited that person to my Thursday networking training group, and she attended. I didn’t particularly like her. There was no good reason for it; it was just a feeling. After the event, I was talking to another attendee who indicated she had the same impression of the person. Based on my judgment and the judgment of another, I decided not to send my usual follow up “let’s get to know each other” email.
About a week later, I received an email from the person. It went something like this:
Juli,
I think you have a great concept, and I’d like to learn more about what you do.
By the way, I met two people at a recent event who I think might be interested in meeting with you. Their contact info is below.
I contacted both of them, and one has the potential to be an excellent strategic partner. You just never know where your next referral is going to come from.
And yes, I arranged a “let’s get to know each other” meeting with her. Good thing her judgment of me was considerably better than mine of hers.
Anyone have a story of a judgment that turned out to be something other than you thought at first?
