I was a few months into my networking when I met John Rahja who’s first question was “Have you had your ‘What am I doing here’ moment?” He explained it’s that moment when you wonder if all this networking is doing any good and do not feel like going to your next meeting.
He talked about his moment and recommended that when it happened to me, that I take some time off. Better to reschedule than waste a potentially valuable networking contact.
Here’s another angle to think about this: If you get an hour of 1-on-1 time with someone, it’s probably more than someone on their staff. This person has agreed to help you when they took the meeting – so make it count – for both of you.
My moment hit two months later on the way to yet another 7 a.m. meeting. I took the meeting…barely. I went home and cancelled the rest of the day.
If you get someone’s moment – do them a favor and tell them to take a break.
I experienced someone else moment. I arrived at the coffee shop, the person I was meeting with said hello and immediately followed with “Look we know why we are here; I just need three names – so no need to get any coffee”.
Other signs that you might need a break:
· Find yourself dismissing what a potential contact might be able to give you – before you meet them
· Start to ‘wing it’ versus preparing for meetings
· You do not take any notes for a meeting
· You cannot remember what was discussed at a meeting
· Follow-up notes start to go out more than 72 hours after a meeting
· You’re generally cranky as all get out
Take a couple days off from meetings. Just stick to filling up with future meetings.
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