When "David" Meets "Goliath"

A Networking Lesson On My Meeting With My Role Model

One of things we do in networking is seeking out mentors and learning from role models. That morning many years ago, I was looking forward to meet someone on my list of role models. At 65, Mr Goh (not his real surname) was a prominent entrepreneur whom I looked up to for the successful businesses he started and ran as well as for being a contributor to society through his active community services. The opportunity came through a friend who was an associate trainer in one of Mr Goh’s companies. He recommended Mr Goh to consider me getting me on board as an associate trainer.

Meeting My Role Model

You can probably imagine my excitement and anxiety; not only will I get the chance to meet my role model in person, I may be given an opportunity to work under him, with his team of experienced trainers. I was directed to his room by the receptionist. There he was! He quickly stood up to shake my hand and dived right into a conversation. He appeared more excited than me! Small talk was very brief. Ten minutes into the chat, he called his marketing executive to join the discussion. He told the young man, “Mr Yeo is an expert in networking, something we all need to learn to do well. Go get your pen and paper ready and take some notes.”

Win-Lose Meeting

I wish I could say the meeting went very well. It was pleasant yes, but it did not meet my objective. For the next 45 minutes, both of them were asking me questions on networking. I could not help but sense they were gathering information on a subject which they obviously knew little about. I tried to change the course of the conversation by reminding him about my purpose that morning. He ignored my attempt to do that and went on to tell me how impressed he was by my knowledge and experience, saying he had been in business for over 20 years but what he just heard from me was an eye-opener for him. The meeting concluded with him assuring me his General Manager will be following up with me.

It was nice to meet the man himself, but in all honesty, it was a good meeting for him and his team, possibly his company. Over the next 3 weeks, Mr Goh did not return my calls and email. I did not hear from the marketing executive nor the GM. I stopped waiting and expecting!

Worthwhile Learning Experience

Disappointed? Yes! Regretful? No! Needless to say, Mr Goh has been struck off my "Leaders To Meet" list - not because I had met him, but because he was not the person I thought he was after all. It was a great learning experience for me. I continue seeking out role models and mentors as part of my networking activities. I will continue developing my knowledge networks and social capital. Indeed! Networking is not always about business! 

Welcome to the real world of networking! This experience goes into my networking journal for learning, application and sharing. ~ MY

(Mervin Yeo, a Networking Evangelist, Introvert Leader, Speaker is a published author of numerous books. Websites: www.mervinyeo.com; www.masteringleadershipagility.com; www.introvertsnetwork.asia)