Nov
Last week I attended an event with businesspeople keen to make connections. Now I’m no power networker, but I’m a pretty good observer, and I noticed countless instances of people missing opportunities simply because they weren’t organized. Here are the top 5 mistakes they made …
Top 5 Mistakes Made by Disorganized Networkers
1. Having too few business cards.
If you love your cute business card holder that accommodates 7.4 cards, fine, but throw an extra stash in your bag, pocket, or purse.
2. Being all about the food and drink
You want to be able to shake hands, speak without displaying masticated sushi and breathe without fellow attendees passing out from garlic fumes. Think of the event cost as covering information and opportunities and forget the nibbles. Eat beforehand. Sip on a drink but put it down between conversations.
3. Keeping business cards in a bag or jacket
If someone asks for your business card you don’t want to be running off to search for one. Keep some with you as you circulate.
4. Talking ad nauseam about themselves
I categorize this as disorganization because the people I observed lulling their companions into a waking doze weren’t, as far as I could tell, egocentric or self-absorbed. They just hadn’t prepared a brief description of themselves and their businesses, and were tongue-tied and unaware. Condense your story into a short, interesting snippet. People can always ask for more.
5. Bogarting the talent
Of course everyone wants to meet and ask questions of the keynote speaker/panel members at these things. Just don’t be the one making an entire Dr Phil episode out of your questions, issues and ideas while the 20 people behind assassinate you with evil looks. Be prepared beforehand so you can keep your discussion brief. You’ll make a better impression on the speaker and have a nicer time with your fellow attendees.
If you’ve got end-of-year functions lined up and some schmoozing of your own to do, then get organized and avoid these mistakes.
Question: What networking mistakes have you observed?
Image by Ajda Gregorčič
Related posts:
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- Organizing Q & A | How To Deal With OPD – Other People’s Disorganization: My Top 3 Tips
- Social Networking: 5 Simple Steps To Organizing Your Social Networking (With Free Notes)
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Hi Michele,
Regarding business cards I’d recommend that you keep your extra stash of cards in a box or some other container so they won’t get damaged.
I’ve written a brief report called “How to Maximise the Impact of Your Business Cards” which can be accessed from the link below:
How to Maximise the Impact of Your Business Cards In 7 Easy Steps
It’s a FREE download from YouPublish.
Best wishes
Nickolove
Hi Michele,
Regarding business cards I’d recommend that you keep your extra stash of cards in a box or some other container so they won’t get damaged.
I’ve written a brief report called “How to Maximise the Impact of Your Business Cards” which can be accessed from the link below:
How to Maximise the Impact of Your Business Cards In 7 Easy Steps
It’s a FREE download from YouPublish.
Best wishes
Nickolove
One thing I do with business cards when I’m at a conference is to stash them in my name tag. That is, most conferences will give you an “around the neck” name badge in a plastic holder to wear throughout the conference. I just tuck some of the business cards behind my name, and voila! (or however you spell that) they’re right at hand.
One thing I do with business cards when I’m at a conference is to stash them in my name tag. That is, most conferences will give you an “around the neck” name badge in a plastic holder to wear throughout the conference. I just tuck some of the business cards behind my name, and voila! (or however you spell that) they’re right at hand.
@lynnreidl Glad you like the articles! http://tinyurl.com/6xlfhc
@lynnreidl Glad you like the articles! http://tinyurl.com/6xlfhc
Hi Michele,
you are indeed a good observer
For me the most important mistake that people make while networking is that they forget that it is about building relationships. Some people try to sell their products or services to people who are totally not open for that (or might even never need or want them anyway).
What it means in practice is a very simple “rule”: listen more than you talk and listen first.
Have a great networking day !
Jan
Jan Vermeiren, founder of Networking Coach (http://www.networking-coach.com)
Hi Michele,
you are indeed a good observer
For me the most important mistake that people make while networking is that they forget that it is about building relationships. Some people try to sell their products or services to people who are totally not open for that (or might even never need or want them anyway).
What it means in practice is a very simple “rule”: listen more than you talk and listen first.
Have a great networking day !
Jan
Jan Vermeiren, founder of Networking Coach (http://www.networking-coach.com)
Another tip is to order celloglazed business cards – they have a coating on them that means they don’t end up dog-eared.