One of the many things I hear members comment on from time to time when they are out and about networking within our group is: “I can’t believe how talented everyone is. How can I ever expect to get a job if some of these folks are out of work?”

I am not sure why I am caught off guard by this comment, but I am. Perhaps it is because the person asking it is typically quite obviously talented as well.

Let’s face it, if there is any one trait that I would identify with financial folks it is our modesty. I have to admit that being as talented as we are it IS hard to be modest. (They say in Texas, that if it’s true, it isn’t bragging.)

Okay, all kidding aside, I think we all need to keep a little perspective about the NATURE of The FENG. It is filled with talented people who have a wealth of experience. That’s how and why YOU were accepted as a member.

One must also keep in mind that your 90-second announcement when you introduce yourself is time set aside for you to do a little bragging. There isn’t time to be modest. And, if you want to play that game you will find that no one will want to network with you when the meeting breaks.

Patton said it best: Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser. We tend to play to win, and why not? Losing really isn’t as much fun as it is cracked up to be anyway.

So, if everyone you speak with is taking their allotted time to wax eloquent about their “product advantages” AND you are too, don’t you think you are intimidating other people as much as they are intimidating you?

What I think we should do here is call a truce. We should agree that all of us are well respected and well educated individuals with good work histories, because we are. Again, that is WHY you were accepted for membership.

There is no mandatory waiting period for finding a job. Nor do all of the other folks you might speak with have to find a job before you will find one. It just doesn’t work that way.

So, stop worrying and relax. Networking is a lot more fun that way.

Regards, Matt