42 Easy Networking Tips
- Arrive early ... figure out the entry and exits, locate the "best spot" to scope the room.
- Introduce yourself to the event host and venue staff - thank them. Event production is hard work!
- When meeting people, ask "How would I know if I met a perfect lead for you? What would I look for? Etc ..."
- Ask questions. Discover what they want, what they need. Avoid the "Spanish Inquisition" approach though :)
- Know WHY you are at this networking event. Seriously ... why are you there?
- Be bright, be brief, be bold. No one likes a 'Debbie-Downer'
- Have a firm handshake. Avoid holding your cold drink in the same hand ... wet handshakes = no no.
- If you touch or hug someone ... "Don't Take." If in doubt ... DON'T DO IT.
- Be open to the possibility that something great will happen & that nothing great will happen!
- Before you attend the event, review the attendee list to see who you'd like to connect with.
- Less is more. Better to make one or two good connections than 20 weak and forgettable ones ...
- Body language tip > Avoid fidgeting, touching your face. You look "shady" if you do this.
- Body language tip > Watch the head tilt, and don't lean in too much. The head tilt is "compliant"
- Carry a pen and maybe a small notebook to jot notes - you'll look cool and professional making notes
- Carry twice as many cards as many as you think you'll need. One for your new contact, and one for them to share.
- Don't be a "me too" toady. Too much "me too" is creepy and disingenuous. People like similar people, but don't overdo it.
- Don't be argumentative. If you don't agree - let it go. Move on. Be diplomatic.
- Don't be late. In fact arrive a few minutes early. Remember you can meet the host, scope the venue and find the loo!
- Don't be seen standing still. Don't be that person. Movement in moderation is good. Manic movement ... not so much.
- Don't get drunk if alcohol is being served. Think: SMARTPHONE / PICTURE / AWKWARD 4EVER!
- Don't gossip. What goes around comes around and people are funny about tattle-tales. It's bad mojo anyway.
- Don't interrupt people or hi-jack the conversation. Be polite, pause and wait for your moment.
- Don't judge people. You don't know them or their circumstances at that moment. We all have off days. Be kind.
- Don't make inappropriate compliments or comments about a person's looks, dress or body.
- Don't put sticky name labels on leather, silk or fragile clothing - the good labels stick ... and can leave a mark.
- Don't scowl and or squint. Remember your glasses if you need them. Open eyes are welcoming.
- Don't shove someone's card in your pocket when they hand it to you. Hold it, refer to it. It's great when you need to recall their name.
- Don't stare at people. It's aggressive ... or suggestive. You choose.
- Don't stay with your friends if you arrived with them. It's called NETWORKING so go and network.
- Don't take NO personally. You never really know why it's a no. It's all about context.
- Don't talk about RELIGION, SEX or POLITICS (Unless that's what the event is about!)
- Don't try and close people at the event. It's called networking not selling. Don't be that guy/gal.
- Don't use the networking event to pickup women/men. I could tell you some stories ...
- Don't wear strong perfume or cologne. Some people are allergic and moreover, smell is personal. Why risk it?
- Don't work the room - no one likes being "worked"
- Don't write too much on your name tag - I prefer first name only :-) It makes me mysterious and stops people filtering me out.
- Ensure you have fresh breath. Keep breath freshener handy. Tic Tacs help. I like the little blue plastic strips too.
- Eye-contact is good ... when you first meet someone, hold the gaze for an extra second or two. Long enough to seem confident.
- Make your business cards EASY TO READ. Avoid tiny print and cutesy designs. Impart your message clearly.
- Never refuse a business card when offered. Seriously ... I saw someone do this once. It's RUDE!
- Make the person feel better about meeting you than not. Hey, why not add a little sunshine to someone's day?
- Follow up after the event. Send a thank you. Email is fine. Handwritten notes = ROCKSTAR!
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