Atlanta Women in Business had an after-hours event last week. Some of us invited guests so they could become more familiar with our association. Out of four people we had invited, three did not show up and did not even call to say they were not coming—they were total no-shows. One person, after we emailed her the next day, claimed that “she didn’t feel like driving in the heat,” but wondered if she could mail us some of her business cards so we could distribute them to our members for her.
Hello?! Isn’t networking about meeting people, starting relationships and bonding? Who would have the nerve to ask someone to distribute their business cards because they didn’t feel like driving in the heat to do it herself? I am so over people not thinking before they do anything. They are so wrapped up in themselves that they are downright selfish and mindless. Has the world gone mad?
Every day, the founder of Atlanta Women in Business receives an average of eight calls from people (mainly women) asking if they can speak to our group to sell their products/services. Lya, the founder, tells them that we only allow our members to speak because we only have four luncheons and eight after-hours events a year and we want to give every member the opportunity to be known by other members. As a result, Lya encourages these women solicitors to become members. The membership is only $70/year and it has many benefits. Still, people get frustrated that they cannot simply bypass the system.
Why do people want something for nothing? Why don’t people want to make an effort and offer something? Business is not earned by forcing others to take your business card, especially if you can’t go out of your way to put in a little work. On the contrary, others will get annoyed and probably swear they will never do business with you! It’s not a good way to make a great first impression!
My advice: Get out there and network! Don’t make excuses, and always respond to invitations even if you can’t make it. If something comes up and you can’t attend, notify the hosts as soon as possible. And never expect others to do your work for you—it makes you look selfish, disorganized and lazy!