Years ago, my friend, Peggy Keene, told me that when she read the Sunday newspaper she made sure to turn every page. That’s how I’ve read the paper ever since then and actually heard a story on NPR discussing the topic.
By turning every page, I see stories in the paper low on back pages and below the fold that I might not read in a digital format. This attention to detail is like seeking out people and places not on my radar. Which is a good thing for personal and professional growth.
This isn’t really about how and who reads newspapers, rather this is about how to apply this concept to networking. Rather than just showing up at an event, you did something different:
- Arrive either early or late (if it is an open-ended event).
- Change your pattern in “working the room:” move left to right rather than right to left.
- Talk with the person saying the least in the group.
- Listen and ask questions more than twice the time you spend talking about yourself.
The fact is there are interesting people and topics hidden right in front of you at an event. Just take the time to read every page.
Relentless
