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Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Social graces

I have discovered something about myself on this business trip. I am not a social creature.

Most people go to conferences to network. I am still of the mind that a network programs your television or, is something IT people maintain. This is why I am an anomaly in the marketing world. I really don't like to schmooze.

Other than the reception I slunk my way through last night, I've avoided hospitality suites left and right at this conference. I really don't want to buy anything from anyone and I am not selling. I am not looking for a job or trying to find someone for one. So I don't have the energy to "go fish" with my business cards in a hotel suite just to get a free drink and a stress ball with some bus company's name on it.

I haven't even sought out collegues to go to dinner with. I am perfectly fine with dining alone or calling room service. So obviously I will never be a leader in my profession or a person who will seek public office. I am not a good old boy nor am I that kind of guy everybody knows and likes. I can walk into a room and go completely unnoticed even though I've worked in this industry for almost a quarter of a century.

The cheese stands alone.But I do like crackers.

9 comments:

Naughti Biscotti said...

I'm not a schmoozer either. I would be miserable if in the same situation. If there's at least one or two people that I am good friends with, then I'll hang with them. Other than that, I'd be alone in my room.

I never quite masterd the introductory thing, "Hi, my name is..." That's about as far as I get before I say, "I can do a great chimpanzee impression." Not a great opener at business functions.

JP (mom) said...

I'm a people person, but find that in similar settings I'm perfectly happy with room service & my laptop. Congrats on the award, Tim!

Anonymous said...

I like crackers too. And remember, invisibility is a super power. Don't knock it.

Time said...

Lights, Ah yes, my imaginary friends.

Shandi, You do a chimpanzi impression? Don't tell Mank :)

JP, Thanks. Unfortunately room service here is even pricier than I can stomach.

Kristy, You're right. I do have the invisibility thing going.

Alex Pendragon said...

You are an anomoly, and I think that's a good thing. Everybody there is after something, and bother or attempt to use other people to get it. You're there because you "have" to be. I like that.

And yea, Lights is right, we resemble real people so closely it's downright spooky!

Hayden said...

WAIT! I thought someone moved the cheese... no, no, there it is, standing alone.

Anonymous said...

I know this sounds simplistic, but I love that we are all different. It really does take all kinds. We sometimes have to be in a room full of people that are nothing like us to realize who we are and that we like it that way.....revel in your aloneness.

Anonymous said...

I’ve always thought of you as a deity and I think this is final proof. Most people in the schmooze based realm are oblivious to your presence and my guess is when someone does notice and make an attempt to figure you out they wind up getting you all wrong anyway.

Incidentally I hope you don’t mind but I’ve printed out a copy of Dizgraceland and use it as frequently as I reference The Holy Bible, The Koran and The Zohar. There is something disturbingly mystical about you. I can’t wait to start decoding you…

Time said...

THE Michael, You have risen again in my eyes to the "THE" rank.

Hayden, Don't make me revive cheese week at Dizgraceland.

Miss Bliss, I revel, oh yes I do revel.

Mickey,Fellow Prophet and Mystical One, I am flattered. I'd be happy to send you an official decoder ring just as soon as you send me the required number of boxtops.