Networking Pitfall: Being Mysterious

Nothing makes me more suspicious than the phone call that goes something like this: “Hello Molly, a friend of yours gave me your name and suggested we meet.” 

My first thought is that they’re trying to pitch me on some multi-level marketing scheme.  And if that is in fact the case, I may need to reevaluate my friends!  I immediately ask which friend, and from there I’ll determine whether I have time for them.

Whenever the phone rings, the first thing I think is “Who is this and why are they wasting my time?”  I don’t think I’m the only one.  Therefore, it’s critical to state your name, purpose, and your referral source up front.  If it’s a good purpose (or better yet, a good referral), you might buy at least 10 more seconds of their time.