On approach from other Members: Some Patterns Newbies should watch out for
In a forum like VP, it is natural for members to reach out to each other. We admire the work of someone, we find complimentary strengths in each other, we want to seek advise on how to grow how to move to the next level, when we cant seem to be making much headway despite persistent efforts, and so on. Most of us have grown by seeking out each other!
So it is quite okay to have an open mind to approach from other members at the first level.
But post that, at the second level it is important to watch out for a few things:
a) Is it a genuine two-way interaction, sharing and learning?
b) If it is a phone interaction – how much time is spent on learning about you, your progress over the years, what are your big insights vs how much time is spent on the particular idea?
c) On the idea again – how much is a push down the throat, how much is genuine listening?
d) Does the guy talk too much – like 80% of the conversation is one-way?
e) How much of names dropping so and so HNI has invested? Insider knowledge?