What Not to Do When Networking
First impressions are hard. According to research, people will make up their mind positively or negatively about someone within seconds of meeting them. And research shows that once a bad impression is made, it’s hard to shake. You need to dress the part, say the right things and do the right things while avoiding critical networking mistakes. You may only get one shot at it, so you have to make it count.
That’s right. No pressure or anything.
We’ve already taken a look at how to effectively network. In this last of our series on networking, we’ll take a look at the opposite – namely what NOT to do when you’re trying to win friends and influence people.
Don’t be a part-time networker. When it comes to our friends and family, many of us have part-time relationships with them. There may be times such as holidays when we see quite a bit of them. There may be other times we don’t talk to them for months on end. Don’t be like that when it comes to your business contacts. Keep in touch with them on a regular basis.
Don’t confuse shaking hands and passing out a business card with a real conversation. Real relationships— those with the potential to actually help you— are formed by common interests and by taking the time to get to know the person you’re talking to.
Don’t interrupt a conversation to talk to someone you think is more important. It’s not only incredibly rude, but the world is often smaller than we think. That person we snubbed might be the very person we need later on, and it’s quite possible the person we wanted to talk to will notice our rude behavior and snub us in turn. What goes around comes around.
Don’t misinterpret your setting. Sure you want to have your best elevator pitch ready at a moment notice, but not every occasion is the time and place for a hard sell. Learn to read the room, as they say. A business trade show might be the perfect place for a pitch, but when you’re on the 16th hole on the golf course, it might be time for a more low-key approach.
Don’t be shy. You’re here to meet people, not to become better acquainted with the artificial palm tree in the corner. Mingle. Introduce yourself. Start up a conversation. If you’ve prepared properly for the event, you should have several potential ice-breakers at the ready so you can gracefully get them talking.
Don’t forget to follow up. This is one of the most crucial steps in successful networking, and one that is most frequently forgotten. Sure you had a great conversation. Now take it to the next level by following it up! Think carefully about what you want from that person and design subsequent communication accordingly.
Friends are a great thing to have, and networking is a great way to get friends. The next time you’re at a networking event, keep these tips in mind. If you haven’t already, check out the rest of our series on networking and before long you’ll be working the room like a pro.