How to Network With Busy(ˈbizē) People, Part 11

How to Network With Busy(ˈbizē) People, Part 11

By Steve Pavlina

Don’t apologize(əˈpäləˌjīz) for reaching out.

Never begin your first contact with an apology(əˈpäləjē).

Every week people send me emails that begin with phrases(frāz) like, “Sorry to bother(ˈbäT͟Hər) you, but…” What does this tell me about the other person’s expectations(ˌekspekˈtāSHən) for connecting with me? It tells me they expect(ikˈspekt) to bother me. Who am I to argue(ˈärgyo͞o) with them? Delete… next.

If you hint(hint) that you’re about to irritate(ˈiriˌtāt) or annoy(əˈnoi) someone, they’ll assume(əˈso͞om) you’re right. Why should they do otherwise?

You might think that you’re just being polite(pəˈlīt) and respectful(riˈspektfəl). Are you really? Or would it be more accurate(ˈakyərit) to say that deep down, you don’t feel equal(ˈēkwəl) to the person you’re contacting?

If you have to apologize for bothering someone, maybe you shouldn’t be contacting them at all… at least not until you do a bit more work on your self-esteem(iˈstēm).

“Excuse me…” is another weak opener(ˈōp(ə)nər). Why do you need to be excused? Are you doing something wrong?

If you’re going to approach(əˈprōCH) a busy person, do so as an equal. Don’t act like an equal. Know you’re equal.

It doesn’t matter which person on this planet(ˈplanit) you wish to connect with – We’re all equal. We’re all part of the same whole. Why should you feel intimidated(inˈtimiˌdāt) to meet another piece(pēs) of humanity((h)yo͞oˈmanitē)?

Don’t put busy people or celebrities(səˈlebrətē) on a pedestal(ˈpedəstl). They may have a lot of accomplishments(əˈkämpliSHmənt) under their belt(belt). They may be famous. So what? They’re still human just like everyone else. Don’t mistake the public image for the real person underneath(ˌəndərˈnēTH).

Be secure(siˈkyo͝or) in who you are. Know that whenever you reach out to connect with someone, you’re offering something of value. The value is who you are. If you don’t think you’re worth knowing, you need to spend more time getting in touch with your own value. Of course you’re worth knowing.

If you want to be worthy(ˈwərT͟Hē) of a busy person’s time and attention(əˈtenCHən), then know that you deserve(diˈzərv) it.

https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2009/08/how-to-network-with-busy-people-part-11/