I hate networking events.
I mean, I really, really hate networking events.
I know, I know, you're not suppose to hate networking - after all, there is a possibility that one of the connections made at one of these events could lead to a job or something. Nevertheless, I find many of these so-called mixers to be pretentious, demoralizing and just an all around drag.
It's not that I'm bad at meeting new people, I just hate the phoniness of these events. The endless exchange of business cards from out of work project manager, aspiring politicians and consultants, none of which are remotely interested in who you are but rather who what company employs you. The women standing around, posing in high stiletto heels, huge purses and overly-beat faces, falsely grinning while sizing up the competition. The men, equally overdressed in tailored suits and spit-shined loafers, cradling a glass of cheap Merlot while cruising the room for chicks, hoping for a little bit more than career opportunity. A guest note speaker, which is always the CEO or higher up executive of some riveting, breakthrough company, boorishly speaking on the virtues of why we should be attending more pretentious networking events.
The whole thing just reeks of self-aggrandizing, ego-boosting. And If it wasn't for the free food and wine, I probably wouldn't never-ever go to any of these events.
And that's exactly what I had in mind earlier this week, when I saw the Root.com's open invitation for the Young, Fabulous and Female event here in Philly - an excuse for free food and liquor. After all, the event, which was held at the African American Museum of Philadelphia, was billed as an "evening of conversation and cocktails," which sought to provide us Young and Fabulous females with "thought-provoking conversation focused on the career and life challenges facing young black women." That's usually code talk for everyone get overly-dressed up and engage in frivolous banter while doing everything in their power to be seen.
Eye roll.
I mean, I really, really hate networking events.
I know, I know, you're not suppose to hate networking - after all, there is a possibility that one of the connections made at one of these events could lead to a job or something. Nevertheless, I find many of these so-called mixers to be pretentious, demoralizing and just an all around drag.
It's not that I'm bad at meeting new people, I just hate the phoniness of these events. The endless exchange of business cards from out of work project manager, aspiring politicians and consultants, none of which are remotely interested in who you are but rather who what company employs you. The women standing around, posing in high stiletto heels, huge purses and overly-beat faces, falsely grinning while sizing up the competition. The men, equally overdressed in tailored suits and spit-shined loafers, cradling a glass of cheap Merlot while cruising the room for chicks, hoping for a little bit more than career opportunity. A guest note speaker, which is always the CEO or higher up executive of some riveting, breakthrough company, boorishly speaking on the virtues of why we should be attending more pretentious networking events.
The whole thing just reeks of self-aggrandizing, ego-boosting. And If it wasn't for the free food and wine, I probably wouldn't never-ever go to any of these events.
And that's exactly what I had in mind earlier this week, when I saw the Root.com's open invitation for the Young, Fabulous and Female event here in Philly - an excuse for free food and liquor. After all, the event, which was held at the African American Museum of Philadelphia, was billed as an "evening of conversation and cocktails," which sought to provide us Young and Fabulous females with "thought-provoking conversation focused on the career and life challenges facing young black women." That's usually code talk for everyone get overly-dressed up and engage in frivolous banter while doing everything in their power to be seen.
Eye roll.
Add Comment
RSS Feed