Effortless Networking: Can You Network In Your Sweats?

July 1, 2008 9:31 am RSS Feed Icon Business Networking

A few years ago, someone asked me whether it was OK to network if she was not "dressed up" for it.

For instance, she said, if I'm at the checkout line at a grocery store in my sweats and a networking opportunity arises, should I go for it?

I remembered this question recently because I found myself in a very similar situation.

I was at the local public library with my kids, and one of the staff members started chatting with me. She wanted to know what language I was speaking with the kids (I speak with them in Bengali), how many languages my son speaks (the answer is 3), where I was from, and so on.

From there we moved on to other topics.

On a whim, I decided to ask whether the library carried books by local authors. I had recently published my book, and I was curious. (By the way, I was dressed in sweats at the time!)

She said yes, they did. Could I drop off a copy for them to look at?

So the next time I was at the library, I gave them a copy. The library called me later that day saying they'd buy it.

A few weeks later, I was at the library (again in sweats) when the same staff member asked me whether I'd like to do a presentation. They could help me promote the book, she said. Was I interested?

Of course I was!

And all this happened while I was dressed like a harried mom, chasing after a toddler while clutching an infant.

So what's the point of my story?

I have 3 points actually:

  1. Networking opportunities show up all the time -- be alert.

  2. Have a sense of what an "opportunity" means for you, so you can recognize it and take advantage of it when it does show up.

  3. You don't have to be dressed in any particular way to network or take advantage of opportunities.

    4. I hope this inspires you to "go for it", the next time an unexpected opportunity shows up.

    (c) Copyright 2006, Srirupa Dasgupta

    Srirupa Dasgupta is the author of Effortless Networking: Everyday Wisdom to Transform your Business and Life. She helps small business owners, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals build, sustain and leverage the professional and personal network that is necessary to succeed. To get a free 15-page guide on the "5 simple ways to Network Successfully", visit her website at http://www.EffortlessNetworking.com .

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