What We Can Learn About Not Networking with Ivanka Trump

Michael Melcher, blogger for the Huffington Post, shares with us his experience on a plane where he sat next to Ivanka Trump and didn't know it.   

The interesting part is that he didn't know that she was in front of him until several days later. She gave him her magazines at the end of the flight, which had her name on them. Here is Michael's explanation as to why he wasn't paying attention to those around him:

"One of the reasons I didn't realize I was in a celebrity zone is that I, like every other passenger on Continental Airlines Flight 99, was focused on finding a way to withstand 15 hours and 55 minutes of plane time, which actually was even longer since we had a delayed takeoff. I ate my elaborate dinner, read for awhile, and then consumed my special long-flight cocktail."

If Michael did know that Ivanka was sitting next do him, then would he have talked to her?  Here is what he had to say:

"I don't actually believe that you need to talk to everyone all the time. There's a time and a place, and sometimes other things are more important. Networking is a vital part of career growth and discovery, but it only works if you do it in a way that's authentic for you. And authenticity means knowing that sometimes other things are more important than networking."

I completely agree with Michael. You need to be authentic, otherwise, you will not come across as genuine and people will not want to connect with you. Also, it is okay to not try to build a relationship sometimes. You don't have to be on 100% of the time (but pretty close!).

This story reminds me of the time where I sat next to the founder of Mudd Jeans on an airplane. We did talk for awhile and he invited me to watch a movie with him on his portable DVD player.  We had a good time during the flight but failed to exchange contact information.  In hindsight, I wish that I would have been proactive and tried to keep in touch.  However, it was a little awkward because we were both on family trips so we kept the business aspect out of the conversation. In other circumstances, I am sure that we would have continued the dialogue.

You can read Michael's entire post at When It's Okay Not to Network With Ivanka Trump.

Do you have any similar experiences to share?

Comments

[Mike Maddaloni]

He didn't recognize Ivanka Trump?

One time I was on a flight from Louisville to Cincinnati in the mid 90's - a short flight - when a guy who was obviously frustrated sat next to me. I had seen him earlier at the airport counter saying that he HAD to get on this flight. When he sat next to me he expressed relief he was on the flight, and a couple of exchanges into the conversation I found out he was an attorney in the Brown & Williamson tobacco case.

When I realized he just wanted to get home, I changed the subject. I could have asked him all kinds of questions about the case, but it was obviously wanting to get away from it for the weekend.

From past experience, I have found it hard to strike up a conversation with someone on a plane in the next row, and a lot easier with someone sitting next to you.

He didn't recognize Ivanka Trump?

mp/m

[Jason Jacobsohn]

Thanks for sharing your story Mike. You used good judgement.