No, this isn’t about conscription, it’s about moving around all the time and meeting strangers.
My father served in the army for 24 years so I had had 25 different homes by the time I left home aged 18. This itinerant life meant that, in spite of being a natural introvert, I have no problem walking into a room full of strangers and introducing myself.
It’s great practice for networking as a business owner.
– Hold your head up and look people in the eye
– Smile (as naturally as you can)
– Practice a firm handshake (not a crushing vice but not a wet fish either)
– Rehearse your first line
– Have 3 questions prepared to start conversations
Focus on introducing people to each other then they can make the conversation while thinking how sociable/helpful you are.
Incidentally we offer 10% discount to military and their ‘dependent’ family or 15% to REME (as my Dad tells me they’re the best 😉)