Ask For 15 Minutes

“Everyone owes everyone 15 minutes.” This phrase has been rattling around in my head since my Hobnob interview with Jeff Narver last month. Jeff wasn’t referencing the standard “15 minutes of fame” quote that gets overused (sorry, Andy Warhol). He was talking about the secrets of networking – and I love him for it.

Let me rewind. I first met Jeff at a conference in Vancouver about five years ago. After a brief conversation in the hotel lobby (ahem... bar), Jeff slid his business card across the table and said, “Let me know if I can help you with anything.” No agenda - a genuine invitation from a generous guy.

At the time we worked in completely different parts of the industry. Our paths were unlikely to cross. Despite these odds, we stayed connected. Short conversations. Small collaborations. Simple email exchanges.

Here’s my main insight: Jeff expends more effort being interested than interesting. Don’t get me wrong, he has his fair share of off-beat interests (Sasquatch!), and a bucket list filled to overflowing. But when you talk with Jeff it isn't about Jeff.

His take on networking? Everyone will give you 15 minutes. You just need to ask. Sure, some people are busy, so you might have to wait. But stay patient and you'll get those minutes.

Look, I am the first to roll my eyes at networking. It feels contrived – even competitive. But when I look at networking through the lenses of generosity and reciprocity it feels different.  (Thanks to Sarah for adding those descriptors yesterday!). My curiosity piques. My questions improve. My interest increases. Who will I meet today?

I'm 20+ years into my career and I still ask people for 15 minutes. In fact, I’ve met at least a dozen people in the past few weeks who generously offered their time and opinions about project I’m working on. Thank you!

Jeff also offered one more tidbit. Your final question during those 15 minutes should be: “Who do you know that I should meet?”

Everyone owes everyone 15 minutes. So, if you need 15 minutes, you know how to reach me. 

Inspiration

Hobnob interview with Jeff Narver, “High-fives to Handshakes” November 20, 2025.