I’ve been told many times by many gurus not to take meetings.
“Focus on the deep work” they say. And objectively, I believe there is great merit to that kind of thinking. However, in my view, it’s bad advice.
I were so protective of my time and my cognitive bandwidth, I would have missed out on all the relationships I’ve made over the years.
I don’t know much, but I have a feeling when I am on my deathbed, I will be most grateful for the people I’ve met, and the relationships I’ve made, and the laughs I’ve shared. I don’t think I will say to myself “I wish I gave myself more time to focus and participate in deep work.”
I’ve never regretted of a coffee meeting and I’ve never said no to being on a podcast. I’ll happily be someone’s first guest.
You never know who someone is, what you may have in common, or who that person is going to become.