tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258082.post114739723509961268..comments2024-01-12T08:44:54.145+00:00Comments on While looking for something else...: On excusing oneselfUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258082.post-1149263577733046862006-06-02T16:52:00.000+01:002006-06-02T16:52:00.000+01:00Can't do it, and clearly nor can anyone at any of ...Can't do it, and clearly nor can anyone at any of these things so I'm always to be found having my lunch on my own. It's either that or try to balance a plate in one hand, a glass in the other, and try to eat at the same time!<BR/><BR/>(There's also the uncomfortable thing of having to look at name badges which makes you seem a little perverted when talking to women.)<BR/><BR/>But social capital is important and there's a link between 'advancement' (I won't say 'success') and the ability to work the room.<BR/><BR/>In my subject, art, design and media (you may know us as 'Mickey Mouse') the ability to smooch is a genuine skill for our students to use in their careers, but it never gets taught and I think it should - just confidence building, the ability to make conversation and so on. Just small tips like the ones you mention (walking in to a crowded room, don't hover at the door, sail straight in and head for a spot so people think you know someone - I've seen it done and it's very impressive!)<BR/><BR/>One course I'm external examiner for introduces fine art students to the concept of the 'private view', the few hours when work is sold, reputations are made and so on. They're given help in handling a stressful situation and I think it works quite well.Jonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04982088638354238795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258082.post-1149012623898472472006-05-30T19:10:00.000+01:002006-05-30T19:10:00.000+01:00Networking is something I hate doing, so I don't. ...Networking is something I hate doing, so I don't. It's really refreshing to read in your blog that you too don't like doing it.<BR/><BR/>How to leave the group you're talking to? 'You must excuse me, I said I'd meet a colleague at 3pm outside' (hope that they don't ask which colleague, or follow you outside and wait with you); or 'What you have said is so profound that I'm going to have to go and lie down'; or 'I need to get another drink. Before I dash off, can I take your email address' (and you ask for this whether or not you want it).Fay Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05022395752373166424noreply@blogger.com