Networking involves work

I recently attended a wealth building seminar featuring Suze Orman and Donald Trump.  As I sat in the packed ballroom and listened to the guest speakers, I became distracted by a strange phenomenon.  Well intentioned entrepeneurs crouched low in the aisles were handing out stacks of business cards to be passed down the row like a tithing bowl in church.

As I examined the business card of one eager real estate professional, I wondered what he could have been thinking.  I never saw his face nor had I spoken with him about his experience or expertise.  I never stood in his presence and determined with my gut if this is a professional with whom I could trust my money.

Networking involves work.  Blindly throwing a business card in a ballroom full of people is equal to pasting a yellow page on the wall and throwing a dart.  It's random at best, unprofessional at worst.  If you want my business, look me in the eyes and tell me why you deserve it.  And who knows?  By participating in a face to face discourse with someone else, you just may discover not just what you can do for them, but what they can do for you.

Twitter: @R_Eason