I’ve never been good with names OR faces. Lately, I’ve had to reckon with this deficiency more than ever, as I’ve placed myself in many professional networking scenarios that are outside of my typical AEC-industry circle. For example, as I expand my own understanding and comfort with social media, part of my strategy has been to build friendships with experts in that area. Social media functions are ultra-abundant, and overwhelming. {Admittedly, functions in general can be overwhelming!} As another example, I’ve become far more engaged in the sustainability movement (both in buildings and lifestyle) so that has enveloped me into yet another separate set of new people.
The result of all this extra visibility: I’ve seen lots of new faces, in lots of different contexts.
The good news is that I discovered something neat about it all. Within the last couple of weeks, I thought I recognized someone–at least six different people. Instead of my usual ‘hmm, since I’m not sure if that person is indeed someone that I’ve met before, I’ll play it safe {rather than enthusiastically wave and go greet them.}’
Sure enough, in three instances out of the six questionable encounters, I did not actually know the person prior to that moment. Yet, in those cases, it was still delightful to meet them.
What’s my point? Well, if you think you recognize someone, perhaps to the point of even having their ‘story’ in your head, then go ahead and reach out. Worst case scenario, they’ll respond with ‘nope, not me….’ but you can still strike up a conversation anyway. Or politely say ‘woops’ and move on.
With a similar premise to the saying: ‘you’ll never know if you don’t ask’, this also holds true: ‘If you don’t take a chance on a face, then you’ve immediately eliminated your opportunity to: 1. reconnect, 2. meet someone brand new.’
