I have a very pointed networking “No-No” I would like to share. Alienate NO ONE. Believe me, there are people I do not want to work with for various reasons, but I still politely declined. Instead of completely blowing someone off (e.g., not returning a call or an e-mail or blatantly ignoring them) just politely say that you do not have anything at this time and you will contact them if you do. End of conversation.
The bottom line: you really have no idea how deep the Rolodex is of the person you blew off and you do not need that person saying negative things about you like not returning phone calls (a.k.a., bad customer service). One more thing: before you comment, criticize, condemn or complain about someone/something, please do your homework. And you better get your facts straight – because whether you’re right or wrong, I guarantee you lost a fan, their business and entire network of “friends” – and who knows if someone within that network could have been your “goose” with a beautiful “golden egg” just sitting in the nest.
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