2. Don’tleavehomewithoutem!
- Business Cards.Use them. Have lots.
- Don’t use a colleague’s biz card and cross out their name
FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. Biz card paper is cheaper than
losing a contact: “Obviously this is my temporary card -
but my information is permanent…”
- Do be sure that your online “card” info is up to date.
- Pahleeze don’t hand these out like kleenex. Use em
sparingly with honest connections.
3. don’tsellmebeforeyouknowme
- Networking is just that - about building relationships
and networks, not sales. Sometimes it is going to lead to
a good sale if you are in sales - but don’t be over
“selly.” It’s creepy. Don’t do it.
4. Don’timbibewithgusto
- Don’t use the free bar as an excuse to drink more.
Slurred words leave lasting impressions.
- Every networking event can impact your business.
- The same goes for food actually. Eat light. You are not a
football team just getting out of practice.
- And HONEST TO BITS: Don’t invade the networking event
buffet with take home plasticware for your own personal
take out. (I have seen this. It does exist)
5. DON’TSTICKTOYOURCLIQUE
- It IS nice to have friends. But you already know them.
Make a point of introducing your friends to new friends
and new people if you aren’t comfortable going solo.
- IT IS ok to have a wingman. (exception accepted)
6. DON’TUNLOADYOURLOAD
- It is networking not counseling. And we already talked
about the drinking thing. These folks are also not your
bartender.
- Let me back up: It is ok to say you had a crazy day, but
keep it light. There is NO CRYING in networking.
7. Don’tgetcornered
- Make sure at a networking event that you are “working it”
moving around the room and meeting people. Don’t stay in
one spot.
- Literally it helps to stay on your toes.
- Also back to your Wings: It is helpful to have a “save me
sign” and to get assistance to engineer an escape from an
overzealous networker.
8. Don’tbeacardtramp
- Well of course this is a bit tricky. Don’t stick to one
spot at a networking event, but don’t treat the room like
a lazy susan either.
- Don’t dress like a tramp either. Keep it professional,
not too casual. No dirty t-shirts. No cleavage. (EE GAD!)
No hot pants. No short shorts. No yoga tramps allowed
either for that matter. Unless you are networking at a
fitness convention - leave the work out gear at home.
(I do apologize for the word tramp.)
9. don’tuseyourphone
- Seriously. Put the darn thing away. It IS so easy to use
the thing to cross reference, show off your kids or take
notes. But limit your use or just don’t.
- OY! And put it on silent for crying out loud before you
walk into the event.
