Not everyone is there to connect. Some are there to be seen, some are trying to impress the most senior person in the room, others are scanning badges and bios for useful contacts only. You might feel sidelined when you walk up to someone and they glance past you mid-conversation or answer your question in half-sentences before moving on.
It can feel personal, but it’s mostly just strategic. This doesn’t make it right, but it helps you understand that your job is not to beg for space, but to be selective too. You do not need everyone to see your value. You only need a few meaningful conversations. Don’t waste energy proving yourself to someone who has already decided who’s worth their time. You’re better off building real connections with people who are actually present.
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