I took a flight from Vancouver to Dallas with my Dad this morning. It’s his 36 year high school reunion, and although he attended high school in the Philippines, we’re meeting his friends in Dallas.
As we were in the lineup to pass through US security in the airport, my Dad very excitedly pointed out local news personality, Tamara Taggart as she walked past us. Clearly star-struck and just a little lovesick, he kept saying, “She couldn’t be lining up with us right? I don’t think she’d have to wait in our linup,” and he was shocked when I explained that it appeared she certainly had to.
Since we were in a queue that curved, my Dad took the opportunity to ask for Tamara’s autograph when we were standing beside her once again. My Dad was so happy with his autograph, and Tamara was extremely kind and gracious.
After having a laugh with my Dad about how giddy he had become, we went through customs. Once we were past the body scanners, I had the great idea to say to my Dad, “I would have offered to take a picture of you with Tamara Taggart if we weren’t in customs. I would have honestly taken a picture of the body scanner if I didn’t think it would cause a big fuss, and possibly a delay.” My Dad’s eyes lit up, and by out chance of luck, we saw Tamara walk past us, as she spoke on her cell phone.
“Come on, let’s get a picture with her,” he said, as he started darting down the corridor. I protested at first, but seeing the glimmer of joy in his eye, I couldn’t help but follow him and ready the camera.
When we caught up with Tamara, she most graciously agreed to having her picture taken with my Dad, having made his entire day.
It amused me so much to see my Dad so taken by Tamara Taggart just because he was so present in the moment; he saw a woman that he respected, and simply needed to take a photograph with her! I’ve met some amazing local business leaders through networking – CEO’s, business owners, VPs, etc, and although I feel smaller than an ant when I approach anyone at a scheduled meeting or networking event of some kind, I do feel that same giddy excitement when I shake the hand of a local success. I can’t help myself.
It’s inspiring to meet people who have succeeded in their professional lives. One can learn so much from meeting a person who has succeeded professionally: how to learn from mistakes, pitfalls to avoid, concerns for the future …
Luckily I’ve been able to maintain my composure in the past, when meeting leaders of business or politics, but I do think it’s important to stay excited about meeting people when networking. True respect and reverie for others is appreciated by all those you meet.
In business literature regarding networking, authors often explain the necessity to make each of your contacts feel important – all professional contacts are valuable, after all. You never know when you’ll be able to provide support for someone, and visa versa.
I just hope to never have an episode similar to my Dad’s response to seeing Tamara Taggart while meeting some titan of industry.
Posted by Geraldine Sangalang 
