I was just walking along the street with a museum-branded tote bag when a man walking alongside me casually asked if I’d been to that museum today. I said not today just recently, then (probably because I’m a bit introverted and sometimes overcompensate) I asked if he’d been to that museum. Conversation continued with me making polite, brief small talk. He then asked what I did for work and it transpired that he works for the (very big) company I’m about to start a new job at. Shortly after that we were about to go separate ways when he said ‘oh, take my contact details’. I suppose at this point I should have said no, but that seemed rude, so to try and keep the interaction more business like I asked if he had a business card but he didn’t, so just gave me his number. He did not ask for mine and I didn’t offer it. He then suggested actually it would be better to just connect on LinkedIn, which we then did. He then wished me good luck for my first day and walked off.
I didn’t feel like I was being ‘chatted up’ but it’s also slightly odd (in London anyway) for a stranger to start talking to you.
I have no interest in this person (I actually just got engaged - but wasn’t wearing the ring as it needs resizing), and am hoping it was just a friendly conversation and that he only suggested taking his contact details because I’m about to join his company, like a networking thing. But now I’m wondering if I should’ve handled the conversation differently.
Just interested to know what you make of this?!