Some folks don’t listen. They know they shouldn’t discuss politics and religion but they can’t help themselves. They’ve lost friends, relatives no longer speak to them, and who knows how many clients will never come back.
The problem is, in today’s political climate, when we meet new people–at parties, at formal networking events, or going out for coffee with a prospective client or professional contact–politics inevitably comes up.
You can (and should) change the subject. But that’s often easier said than done.
Therefore, I propose that you give up networking, at least for now, at least until the craziness dies down. Build your practice without it.
I’m serious. There is just too much at stake. If you go to an event and word gets out that you support someone or something that a preponderance of the group or someone with emotional problems does not, you risk being ostracized, shamed, even physically harmed.
Better to keep people guessing.
Unless most of your clients come from one side of the spectrum and you’ve made a decision to forgo business from the other side, what do you have to gain by flapping your gums in public?
I know, we shouldn’t have to keep our mouths shut. So what? That’s the way it is.
The last time I brought up this subject, I heard from a lawyer who told me he says whatever he wants, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks, and anyone who disagrees with him “can go f*** themselves.”
I didn’t like his attitude so I removed him from my list.
Here’s how to network without leaving your office
