A clinger is someone who clings to people they network with.
Not in a freaky “you better back off before I get an order of protection” kind of way . . .
They cling to the same people at networking events
They cling to the same people on Twitter and Linkedin
They cling to the same people at company events and even . . .
The same parents at their kids sports games.
Why?
Because its safe!
People who have already accepted you typically won’t reject you
unless of course . . .
You cling too much!
So hurry up . . .
There’s someone right now who needs your ideas, your products and services and as a bonus . . .
You might make a new friend along the way!
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So throw off your bowlines. Sail away from your safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover!
– Mark Twain
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Great post Paul! Any plans for a part 2 of this message for how we can politely deal with clingers that hang on us if we’re trying to mingle?
I have adopted the attitude of going to the most senior person in the room and chatting to them. it gets my nerves out of the way and they soon introduce you to other interesting people. It always seem to work a charm but you do have to be careful not to look like a “suck up”.
Sound advice Mike . . . Well said!
Thanks!
Love the picture-and I have been guilty of this. Thanks for the great reminder!
Thanks Kathy!
These days I often find the Clingers are attracted to me for some reason. In fact I attended a networking event last night at nice water front location. Attendance was not as expected and after initially scanning the room decided I would take five out on the deck to enjoy the sun setting and some activity on the pier. Didn’t take thirty seconds before the first clinger approached. Were there new people in attendance to this regular event? Yes including the clinger but he was hard pressed to chat with the “new” people. His discussion? Struggling to make his quota. Hmm, wonder why.
I feel your pain Patrick . . . I’ve been there.
Thanks for stopping by I always appreciate it!
Hey Paul … I wanted to hang out with you, buy ya a couple of beers , maybe some pizza, come over to the house for dinner, play golf every weekend, and share sales stories till dawn… now I feel so rejected that you might thing I was too clingy ( ya know us sales types..we are so shy and get our feelings hurt when we are not liked)..guess I’ll have to go out and sell something ..ha
Great post Paul! I’m not for clingers … throw yourself out there! What’s the worst that can happen?
Thanks so much – love your style!!
Elena