The importance of talking in bathrooms

Submitted by Lisa Steadman on May 31, 2008 - 8:20 am

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Men often joke about how women are much more social in the restroom than men are. Whereas men go in, do their business, and get out, women pee, gossip, put on makeup, and swap stories. We’re very communal in the restroom.

Recently, I was in the restroom at Mark Victor Hansen’s Mega Business weekend workshop chatting with a lovely woman about her desire to write a book. I gave her my card and said if she had any questions, she could email me. Part of what I do as owner of WooHoo Inc. is help people through the book proposal writing process. As she and I were exchanging cards, the woman next to us asked if she could have my card. She explained she wanted to write a book, too. I handed her my card, and her eyes widened and she started getting excited. She looked at me, incredulous, and said, “I read your book!” We both started laughing and squealing like schoolgirls, and she told me a little bit about her breakup.

Here’s what’s so amazing about that exchange. Outside of book signings and media events, I’ve never randomly met someone who read my book. It was a rewarding and beautiful experience.

But here’s what makes it even more amazing. Shelly, the woman who read my book, wants to write a book about her own breakup experiences. I can only hope that our bathroom encounter inspired her to move forward with her project. She hasn’t e-mailed me yet, but when she does I’m ready to help.

Networking in bathrooms? Just another reason why being a woman rocks.