Networking...Were all life's twists and turns finally come to a straight

Recently i was scheduled to meet up with a close friend for a spot dinner as well as catch up on recent events. Fortunately for me i had been penciled in on the same evening as a networking event he was due to attend.

Been given an option to dine on one of two evenings, to choose the night of the event by total chance some would say was pure luck, i would call it God.

With no clue what so ever this was going to be sprung on me, I was to attend the launch opening of one of londons most fasinating shoe stores, Lodger, In Mayfair London for my first networking event, talk about pushing someone in the deep end.

Swimming...

This is were all life's twists and turns finally come to a straight, where all the quirky memorable quotes, film scenes and the one or two episodes of the city 'that i just happen to catch' come into play.

The old lady (mom) regardless of the occasion if any would always tell me "Son, dress for success" then send me back upstairs to get changed. The quote never made since when you where seven years old leaving out the front door for school, better yet to the shop to buy milk, or even leaving to play Football at muddy park riddled with S**t.

Back then you thought the lady was crazy, but nether the less you listen and years later your put on the spot, invited to an event last minute dot com, that requires you walk into a room full of various directors and editors from an establishment that you hope and prey will give you a break, THEN and only THEN that quote 'if you herd one more time would have sent you stir crazy' MADE ALL THE SINCE IN THE WORLD.

Well to be honest that quote sent you crazy a long time ago, that's why your so intrigued with this industry in the first place "Thanks Mom".

Champagne flows like water...

Emmm well, not in my case, this is a first impression that i don't really want to regret, plus I don't fancy being labeled the friend you cant take anywhere, you know the one that gets tipsy off the free Champagne, forgets its a networking evet and ends up doing this...

NOoo Sir, not me.

Take your chances...

Now an opportunity presents itself and im ready. Just as im thanking god that i opted for the Harris Tweed and tie over dressing down quote number two quickly comes to mind. My old man would always say "SON YOU GOTTA TAKE YOUR CHANCES", he was normally referring to when your about to Score 'take that how you wish'.

This is not a speed dating event, so i'm sure "son you gotta take your chances" doesn't mean try your luck with the Olivia Palermo lookalike posing in the corner In this scenario it simply means make an impression, if any conversation comes your way compose yourself and simply take your chance... "BUT WAIT" ... this being my first industry event i don't know any other people other than who i came with, and due to me being new to this I'm sure i stick out like a Vickor in a club "no offence", NOT A GOOD LOOK. With this in mind i got to think quick, I tell you what, Wheres that Olivia lookalike in the Jimmy's, 'GULP'.

Quickie...

No not with the Olivia lookalike unfortunately, the event. From what i gathered you want to be in and out as soon as possible, in long enough that you meet others, learn something, and take something other than free bees from the experience, but also out quick enough leave before you have one too many drinks and that could easily turn this memorable night into the event you so desperately want to forget.

Tip...

If i ever have a tip for you it would be... Don't drink, take a glass when offered its polite and it looks cool, sip, network, sip, smile, network then leave, dont even finish your glass, it shows you came with good intentions. Oh and a business card or two is always a good sign that you swam.

Yours Nathaniel McCarthy