Some people walk into events like they are on a mission and they are easy to spot. You can always tell when someone is working the room because they usually have a checklist in their head. Five people to meet, three cards to hand out, say something clever and then move on as soon as they feel like they have “gotten something.” And while they might get through the list, they rarely make a real impression. They rush conversations, jump into the pitch too early and quickly move on. This makes people feel like targets and no one wants to feel like a target.
Genuine conversations take time. If you are already thinking about who you need to meet next while someone is still talking, it’s obvious. So slow down and enjoy the conversations, even if they don’t end up turning into a partnership or a lead or an opportunity. That one good exchange might be the only one you actually needed.
Stay updated! Subscribe to the ELISA weekly newsletter.