Countless times I have been at business networking events and watched seemingly intelligent people make the same mistakes over and over again. In this article I will talk about the 10 networking mistakes that people make and how to avoid them.
- Mindset is key when attending a networking event. All too often people treat these events as a selling opportunity. Instead remember that you are there to build relationships not to close a deal.
- Remember that it isn't always about you. Sometimes we lose sight of our goals and that is to expand our business contacts and referrals. As you mingle with people be sure to ask questions about them. This will get your conversation started and they will appreciate the interest that you are showing in them. They will be much more likely to remember you if a need for your product or service should arise.
- Follow up. All too often we talk to people at events and then throw their card in our desk drawer. How is that helping you? It isn't. Follow up with them to let them you know enjoyed talking with them and if they're interested, set up a time in the future when you could get together and discuss the details of each others business further.
- One drink is too many. This is not a night out with your friends and should not be treated as such. Make sure you are clear headed. You want to be remembered for your work, not the number of drinks that you had.
- Meet the host. Too many times I've seen people attend a networking event, talk to a few people, and leave. Talking to the person responsible for the event can be invaluable to you. They obviously have an impressive list of contacts already, make sure you're a part of that.
- Are you attending enough events? Going to 3 or 4 each year is good, but at least 2 to 3 per month can increase your resources tremendously.
- Never comment negatively about your competitors. Even though you may be 100 times better at your field than they are, pointing out another person or company's flaws does not make you look good. Instead you can talk about what makes you unique from the others.
- Keep up with current events. This is something a lot of people do not consider, but it can be very important. If the conversation is about something other than your field of expertise you will want to be able to participate. Silence is blinding, if you merely stand there and nod your head you're not as memorable as the other people that were able to keep up.
- Be nice. It sounds simple enough yet some people can come off as being very rude in various situations. Be courteous to each and every individual that you come into contact with.
- Don't sit with people that you know. You are there to build new relationships not to work on existing ones. Mingle throughout the room. This is one situation where it is more than appropriate to talk to strangers.
Hopefully you will now be able to avoid the top 10 networking mistakes that people make and have a better chance to build up your contacts.
