It happens in all kinds of situations. Someone assumes you’re familiar with a term (or concept / organization / person / thing) that you don’t actually know about. “I was talking to her at SoCap when…” “I think their run rate is $400k but the more important thing is…” “We asked our boys not to use YikYak but what’s hard is…” In these situations it’s super easy to just let the reference pass. Nobody wants to look like they’re not in the know. But it’s actually pretty powerful to get eye contact and interject with some form of “Wait, what is that?” Admit you don’t know and be the kind of person who learns quickly from there. That’s more effective (and impressive) than being a know-it-all (or posturing that you are).

Source: Seth Godin’s blog but I can’t find the specific post. That’s okay. We should all read everything he’s ever done, anyway.

Have you asked this question? How did it go? Do you have advice for how best to ask it? PLEASE RATE! AND WRITE A REVIEW (in the comment box below)!