Guest author Josh Shapiro is the founder of BeersandCareers.com. He hosts monthly fun networking events in DC and in Baltimore. Check out their event next week at the Bull Pen. We challenged him to come up with an article about networking. Here’s what he wrote.
Too often, I see mistakes being made at networking events and I just shake my head. Some call me a serial networker, one even dubbed me “The Networking Mayor of DC” because I go to multiple events a week and started my own networking business, BeersandCareers.com.
Yes, I have been known to frequent multiple events even in one night but I soon learned that, more often than not, less is more. I’ve been to a wide variety – some with over 500 business professionals and others with only a handful. The question is, what have I learned?
Honestly, I’ve learned that people make a lot of mistakes. Here is my top five networking no-no’s:
1. The Card Collector
One of the more common nuisances I come across is the networker that goes to events to only collect cards. He or she speaks with you for a minute, grabs your card, and runs off to the next victim. What type of relationship can you build off of that?! Solution: SLOW DOWN. Did you ever meet someone you were attracted to at a bar or a social function, grab their number in under a minute, and expect them to be your soul mate? It doesn’t work in networking either.
2. The Serial Schmoozer
Too much fluff, not enough substance. Sure, I like small talk – most extroverted people do – it provides a necessary ice breaker at the onset of a cold conversation. However, your entire discussion shouldn’t be all gossip. Solution: Find a topic that you can both relate to. Sports, politics, unicorns – you name it. After your ice breaker, move on to why you’re both there. Is it because you just moved to the city, or maybe because you’re looking for a new job? Help each other out and find ways to become a valuable resource to each other. Bring substance to the table.
3. The Boozed Businessman
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met people who get too drunk at events. They slur their words, use pickup lines on the opposite sex, and make a complete fool of themselves. If you meet someone and want to carry the business conversation elsewhere after the event, by all means do it. Just don’t be “that guy” at the event. Solution: Know your limit. If you don’t drink, you obviously don’t need to worry about this. If you do, use caution – you don’t want to waste your time and money. Oh yeah, and don’t order shots – you’re not in college anymore, bro.
4. The Snippety Salesman
No, I don’t want to be sold. Imagine a large crowd of 100 people in a room – how many people would raise their hand when you asked them if they want to be sold something? I bet you that not one person would raise their hand. Solution: Cultivate a relationship. Go out to coffee or a drink at happy hour. Chat about ways you can both help each other out, and then go from there.
5. The ‘Me’ Monster
Ever met a person that always wants something but never gives? Unfortunately, there are plenty of these blood-sucking ‘me’ monsters out there. Solution: Instead of always asking for something, GIVE something without expecting anything in return. I promise that it will change you as a businessperson, and hopefully your life in general. Also, don’t keep score – it’s useless. Whether it’s a referral, an invitation to a sold out RSVP-only event that you have an extra ticket to, or simply picking up the tab for coffee when you meet, it truly goes a long way. Again, cultivate a trusting relationship.
Obviously people go to networking events for different reasons. If you want REAL connections and lasting friendships, I hope my advice guides you through the seemingly never ending maze of networking – in life and in business. As Dicky Fox once said in the movie Jerry McGuire, “The key to this business is personal relationships.”
The post Top 5 List of Networking No-No’s appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
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