A lot of people do not go to networking events. Some of them stay away because they're shy, or because they can't stand the noise of a loud room. Other people avoid networking events because they've had bad experiences. Unfortunately, there are bad networkers in every city and they tend to show up at networking events and annoy the rest of the crowd!
Here are ten things never to do at a networking event.
Blast your audio business card at a new acquaintance
A networking event is a place to practice your conversational skills. When someone asks you "What do you do?" it is a conversation-starter. They aren't expecting you to blast the audio version of your business card in their face, like this:
"I have a full-service marketing agency that provides web, print and broadcast advertising to our clients, including some of the top brands in our region. We offer marketing collateral creation, marketing strategy, graphic design and media buying to our clients and have a very happy and loyal clientele!"
Answer with a simple, human answer like this, instead:
"I have a marketing firm here in town. How about you?"
If someone wants to know more about you and your company, they will ask for it!
Quiz a new acquaintance about who s/he knows
Corporate people tell me "I don't go to networking events anymore. When I used to go to them, vendors would hit me up for introductions. After two seconds of conversation they'd say "Who is the Purchasing Manager in your company? Can you introduce me?"
It is rude to ask for an introduction when you're meeting someone for the first time. Networking is a watering-the-garden type activity. It is slow. You will develop relationships over time. Don't turn a pleasant conversation into a transaction!
Drink too much
Alcohol is a social lubricant, so they say, and many people feel more comfortable meeting new people when they have a drink in their hand. Whatever amount of alcohol you know you can handle, drink half as much at a business networking event! If you feel very witty and smart as you chat with new acquaintances, you may have had too much to drink.
Try to sell a person who is trying to network with you
Networking and selling are two different things. I got a call from a lady who wanted me to join the Chamber of Commerce and I asked her about this topic. "I have been to some of your events, and they were not fun for me," I said. "Half the people in the room were trying to sell services to the other half."
"We don't tell people how they should network," said the Chamber lady with an indignant sniff. That's a shame, because many networking groups have been ruined by predatory networkers who should have been shut down the first time they tried to turn a friendly networking event into a sale-a-thon!
Don't try to sell people at a networking event. Don't try to set up sales calls. A networking event is a place to meet people and establish a little bit of glue between yourself and someone else. You can build up the relationship over time. Maybe this person will buy from you, and maybe they won't. If all you can see is dollar signs when you meet a new person, then you have fundamentally misapprehended the meaning and purpose of networking.
Scan the room while you're talking to someone
It's impolite to look over a person's shoulder while you are talking to them, scanning the room to see if anyone more interesting is around. When your conversation with one person has reached its natural end, say "It's so great to meet you!" and if you like, exchange business cards. Then go off and start a new conversation. Just be sure to keep your attention on the conversation you're in!
Ask them who they know
It's not polite to ask new acquaintances who they know. As tempted as you might be to ask someone you're meeting for the first time "Oh, you work with XYZ Corp as a consultant? Who do you know over there?" don't do it!
Pull out your resume
If you're job-hunting, I recommend that you get a consulting business card and start giving it out. Consider yourself a consultant, not a job-seeker. These days they are one and the same, and many more people will be able and willing to talk with you about your consulting (no matter how green at consulting you are) than about your job search. Don't bring your resume to a networking event unless that is the stated purpose of the gathering.
Get someone's business card and misuse it
Don't take someone's business card and immediately add them to your newsletter subscription list. Don't take their card and send them a follow-up spam email. If you want to connect with them on
Hit on someone
A networking event is a business/social event. If you think someone is cute and interesting, you can follow up and invite them to coffee. Don't hit on them at the event itself!
Fail to thank the organizer(s)
Be sure and thank the meeting organizer before you leave. Organizing networking events is a thankless task. This hard-working person made it possible for you to meet some new people, so don't leave without thanking them!
