Shoba Narayan is an award-winning Indian travel writer, author, and freelance journalist based in Bangalore, India. She writes about luxury travel, food, wine, hotels, culture, and spirituality across Asia, and has contributed travel features to Condé Nast Traveler (US edition), Travel & Leisure, DestinAsian, Mint Lounge, The National (Abu Dhabi), Taj Magazine, and Hindustan Times, among others. Her travel writing spans India, Southeast Asia, Japan, China, the Maldives, Bhutan, Costa Rica, and beyond — always with a focus on the sensory, the cultural, and the deeply human.
Prof.,
I totally agree with this guy, however, I feel that the art of schmoozing may differ from culture to culture. The points are written from American perspective, because America is Individualistic society and people may like to talk for long time to a stranger. In India, the schmoozing happens over a long period of time; it follows credibility building first.
Just to tell you one of my schmoozing attempt recently (after Good life class inputs )
Context: I try to play Badminton daily in evening time with friends “Anil, Pankaj, Ashis, Bidipta and others” The other day everybody was busy in project work so I just visited in Badminton court to see who was playing. I saw 3 gentlemen, moderately old (running in late 40s), were playing. Two were playing and one was watching and waiting for his turn. I found their game very – very mature and impressive. I thought let me apply schmoozing art here.
I approached to the person who was sitting, gave a nice smile and asked…..
Me: Are you staying in Ajmera (our apartment, It was superfluous question as outsiders were not allowed in court)
He: Yes.
Me: You must be playing for long time and that’s why you guys play so well….
He: Yes.
Me: What time you play, can I also join ….
He: (No answer)
Me: I am studying in IIM Bangalore, where are you working?
He: Game is over. I am going to play…. (and he went away to play) (Poor me)
He just gave a look of “why-he-is-so-sticky”
Neeraj
Neeraj:
Thanks for a humorous and candid update. This is something we need to talk about.