Networking

Every once in a while, I speak at UBC to new grads about the world outside of academics. I always tell them one thing. NETWORK.

For many of them networking is a) dirty, icky and slimy b) something they don't need since they are qualified c) daunting

Let me address each of these points over a series of posts. Today I will focus on:

Networking is dirty, icky and slimy.... 

Great to See You Again! You are Who Again?

I go to a lot of networking events.  Inevitably through out the night, after a few glasses of wine, someone will come up to me, and say something along the lines of "Hey, nice to see you again, so how was that trip you took?!".  I would have NO idea who they are.

I have a horrible memory and I am even worst with names.  I think my record is going 6 months talking to a person at work daily, but not knowing their name.  I am pretty sure they introduced themselves to me at my first day of work.  But in the frenzy, I totally forgot!   But of course the next time I ran into them, I was too embarrassed to mention I forgot their name.   And it just snowballed from there.

I finally figured out their name after I found out where they sat and snuck a look at their business cards (sitting on their desk). Phew, crisis averted.

But how about at events? My advice? 

Honesty is the best policy (with a touch of humour of course).  Just tell them you don't remember them the first time it happens (don't wait!) and while it is momentarily embarrassing, it is way better in the long run.  I often use "Sorry, I am totally lame.  I know you and I remember our conversation, but I totally forgot your name.  I am horrible!"

What do you think?  What would you do?