Networking

"I know a guy," said a man definitively. He was sitting at a diner drinking his coffee with a man across from him who looked excited. "Really?" "Yep, I was gonna get together with him later this week. I'll introduce you to him." The man was ecstatic. "Thank you so much." "No problem, just don't talk business right away. He likes sports; focus on that for a little. He's in town to get away from work anyway." "Oh yeah I won't." "Alright then. Meet me Friday for lunch here again. One a' clock." "I'll be there. Thanks again." "Remember, get him on your good side before you start talking business. He's a little strange." "Strange?" "Yeh, don't worry 'bout it." "Uhh, ok. So see you then." "Right." "Kay." "Tell the mrs I said 'hi'." "Sure... Sure." "Bye." "Bye." The two men got up silently and left their share on the table. One left and climbed into his brand new Ford F-150. The other climbed into his beaten up truck and pumped his fist, hitting the roof and denting it. "Damnit." He turned the key in the slot. The engine revved three times before finally starting up.

The next Friday, the men met again at the same diner and the same booth. This time there was a new member of their party. "Hey. I'm Randy. I think Frank told you about me." "Oh yes, he did. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Brian." "Nice to meet you. I think Frank told you to talk about something other than business but if you want to launch into right now I wouldn't mind." "Oh ok, thanks. I was really just wondering if you could help me with a project of mine." "I probably can." "Well I was wondering if you could invest in my company. I've been working on some flash animation and games. My website is generating revenue through advertising. Not enough to quit my day job, but I'm turning a bit of a profit." "I know what you mean. But I'm not sure I can help you with that." "I just need one grand to set me up with some better resources." "I know, I know. The money isn't the issue. When Frank described it to me it seemed like you were living off it. I really can't help you very much. I only do a small portion of venture capitalism and this really doesn't fit into my sector." "So, you can't help?" "Well, I know a guy."