“I Could Never Do That!” – But I Did.
- Lauri Vihonen
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
“I could never do that!”
That’s what a friend said when I told them I send networking invitations to interesting contacts and suggest a 15-minute chat.
I get it – networking can feel burdensome, salesy, or even intrusive. But what if you did it differently – more lightly, openly, curiously?
A New Way to Network – With Openness and Curiosity
I decided to try something new. I opened up a set of 15-minute time slots in my calendar using Microsoft Bookings and started sending invitations to interesting people. I wasn’t selling anything. I simply said I’m experimenting with a new way to network. The recipient could decide whether to book a time or not.
The idea came from my colleague Juha Kiiski – a multi-talented interim professional in the IT field. He had used a similar method before. His core idea was simple: You can always find 15 minutes.
And sure enough – people did.
Three Meetings – Three Different Worlds
So far, I’ve met three amazing professionals, each with a very different perspective:
A deep procurement expert who knew the procedures and models far better than I did. We complemented each other and had a great exchange.
A performance-based procurement thinker who sparked entirely new ideas. After the meeting, he sent a thank-you message, and we agreed to continue exchanging thoughts.
A sales director who summed it up perfectly: “This kind of networking works because you meet people you otherwise wouldn’t.”
Why This Works
Lightweight: 15 minutes is easy to find.
Flexible: the invitee picks a time that suits them.
Meaningful: unexpected yet valuable conversations emerge.
This isn’t selling – it’s open, low-pressure networking. Each conversation has taught me something. I believe new opportunities will follow – naturally and over time.
Final Thought
If you’re thinking, “I could never do that,” ask yourself: what do I have to lose by trying?
You just might meet people who shift your thinking. You might share your own expertise and gain something unexpected in return.
I tried – and I’ll keep going.
How about you?
Do You Want to Try?
📅 Book a 15-minute networking session – no commitment, just new perspectives.
📧 Get in touch:
Phone: +358 50 4381912
Website: www.leadersbeacon.fi
Best regards,
Lauri Vihonen
Author of the I could never do that blog
I’ve written over 150 blogs about procurement development, its role and potential – based on real experiences, mistakes, and successes.
If you’re considering developing your procurement or facing challenges in your organization, I recommend browsing my blogs. You’ll find practical insights, reflections, and concrete tips across industries and situations.
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