How do you save a bad networking call?

I had a networking call today with an analyst alum from my school. It started off on the wrong foot with the banker asking who I was and why I was calling (after we had agreed on a time last week and I sent a calendar invite). It got a bit better after but still was very "Q&A" esque and not conversational and didn't flow well. The banker would respond in 1-3 sentences to each question while commenting that they were multitasking on work and that they have been swamped with work and it's been a pain in the ass this week. 

Of course it's not the banker's fault, I know the job is very grueling and they had specifically said they've been having a very rough week. It's totally understandable that a networking call is at the bottom of their priorities. My question is how do I save a networking call like this and find ways to bring energy/enthusiasm. I would like to brighten the bankers day and make sure they're not having a bad time, while also making it a better experience for me and so that I get more out of it. How should I adjust my approach when a call is going like this?

5 Comments
 

UK so networking experience a bit different, but personally I would’ve actually taken a personal interest and asked (a) what was up and (b) whether there’s a better time. Make it friendly and conversational, let them vent about their work a bit, and you can find a new time for them to commit to.

 

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