Someone I know recently returned from a business trip to that mecca of business and brusqueness: New York City.
We all get a little intimidated when meeting people - especially when they have more seniority and knowledge. And it's a triple whammy when you are a) a woman in a group of older men b) a Canadian surrounded by New Yorkers and c) just introducing a product line (in this case: cross-border financial solutions).
But is it all about business? Sometimes people respect you more for page 3 of your resume than the quality of material in your briefcase. When asked what she did when she wasn't talking finance, she mentioned she was training for Ironman USA in July. The dynamics of the conversation instantly changed and instead of just another vendor, she was elevated in their eyes to someone who was focused, driven and definitely different. In fact, a point of commonality was made when one director revealed his wife was an Olympian who competed in Sarajavo.
Never be reluctant to share your outside interests; it may get you the business.
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