We live connected and we are always networking. Blogging, facebook, twitter and there are more ways than can be counted. Ofcourse the traditional way of networking – passing out business cards and talking about your business also works. This happened to me, a few months back.

I was at a puja at a friend’s place and at the end of the puja we were just talking and catching up. Kuttyma being her naughty best was quick to crawl near the idols and try to grab the flowers and stuff them inside her mouth. I stopped her and started smiling politely to the usual comments about how fast she is, how all kids do it etc.

The priest seated there then asked me where I lived – I answered. And then this is what happened

Priest: I guess I did not give you my business card. (Pulls out a card from the folds of his dhoti and hands it over to me). If you look in it, it lists the services I provide. Please contact me.

Me: (Glanced at the card) My friends X and Y are your regulars. I guess you did their grahaprevesam a few months back.

Priest: Oh yeah! You know them? They are such nice people

Me: Yes yes.

Priest: Well maybe you should buy a house in XXX area (where I live) and I can come and do a grahaprevessam for you too

Me: (Jaw drops) Oh well we already own a house in the XXX area and have no plans to buy another.

*The conversation took place in Tamil

It shocked me but then thinking back about it – it is networking, marketing which every career oriented person does but why does my mind not accept a priest marketing his business?