Blog Post: Don't Let Negativity Turn You Away From Meeting Great People

There is a phrase (borrowed from the well known expression, "you are what you eat" ) that says, "You are who you hang with". If you are reaching for bigger things, take a look at your friends and support network, and contemplate whether they are, too. If not, you don't have to start turning a shoulder to those you love, but you may want to expand your circle by searching for new mentors and intriguing friends. I find lately, that more and more of my friends are people who are accomplishing great things like marathons, leadership in volunteer roles and promotions at work. They challenge me to be my best.

This is the motivation behind wanting to meet Fawn, the desire to keep reaching toward circles of excellence. So, why did I fall short in the execution of my plan? Most likely because I was not prepared to engage her and I was listening to Radio WIFM a bit too loud. WIFM stands for What's In It For Me?" Me?. It is the station that we need to turn off in order to successfully network. When I approached Fawn, I didn't have anything meaningful to say, because I had not given much thought in advance to her interests. Remember, whether you are approaching a potential employer, employee or business mentor, "interested is interesting".The best way to gain someone's attention is to show genuine interest in that person.

Fawn made an insightful observation that when she is challenged, she leans on her instincts as a Reporter and puts herself into " research mode" in order to overcome it. I believe that I was unprepared to meet Fawn because I could have read her book(s) before attending the event. In order to "right" this situation, I am choosing to not only  apply her wisdom, but also some of my own instincts as a Professional Coach. Coaches are excellent and, even notorious, at "holding people's feet to the fire" (a favorite expression from one of my Coaching mentors and Instructors, Ed Grosso). As such, I have given myself an assignment and am telling it to others, including you, in order to hold myself accountable.

My friend and colleague Ken Donaldson, author of "Marry Yourself First"was at the event. He had a successful conversation with Fawn and discussed their mutual interests. They even took a picture together with each others book in hand. So here's what I did; Immediately after the event, I emailed Ken and told him of my intent to read one of Fawn's books. I asked him if he would provide me with her personal contact information after I was done and he agreed. I am committed to this contract, but that's not where I am stopping.

Now that I am on the second chapter of Fawn's book, "Mustang Sallies; Success Secrets of Women who Refuse to Run With the Herd", I feel that I can sincerely recommend her book. I joined Twitter in the last two weeks and found her there. I intend to tweet her and link to this article so that not only are all of you aware of my intent, but she is, too! In this way, when I do follow up at a later date, there is a chance that she may already know who I am (this, of course, is contingent upon her reading this blog).

Don't ever miss your opportunity to expand your circle and speak to someone who you are impressed with. After my own presentations, I have always been more than happy to speak to someone. However, prepare yourself in advance by researching Facebook, Linked In and all other sources that are available to you. If your efforts fall short, don't fall into the trappings of negativity that Fawn warned against. Consider doing as I am; Get back on your Horse like a true Mustang Sally (or Sal) and find a new path to where you want to be.