Q: I have been busy networking and ran into a situation that was
confusing and would like to get your take on how I should handle
this in the future. I met a contact at a networking event and we
had a really good conversation in which they offered to talk
with me at a later date. A week passed and I followed up with
them as planned, they started the conversation by saying, "I am
super busy and have just a few minutes to talk, so just tell me
how I can help you?" If this happens again, should you take the
call and make a short conversation out of it or call back at a
later date?  A: The situation you described happens more often
than not and can send a mixed signal in leaving you to guess the
sincerity of the person who offered to help you. Ideally, having
a conversation without the time pressure is the best scenario.
If people are interested in helping you, they probably would
appreciate your understanding of their time and would rather
talk at a later date.  By giving them understanding, it sends a
message t