I spoke this morning at a networking meeting about the importance of having a work plan for the meeting and a clear desire to go beyond superficial chatter during the meet-and-greets. I was reminded of how some of us would be better off to stay home! We actually do more damage to our business than good if we make these mistakes…
Dumb things other people do at Networking Meetings
* Wearing a name badge–I know I’m contrarian on this topic. All the more reason to give it a try. Name badges are crutches. I prefer to actively engage in the name learning process. Name badges dummy down. (The added benefit of NOT wearing your name badge is it drives the host nuts–expect to be asked, reminded, cajoled, threatened and rebuked–but celebrate your freedom from this old school ball and chain.)
* Looking forward–While meeting with me in a network environment, try hard to LOOK AT ME. I know the person standing behind me is much more interesting, has a job opening and can hit a golf ball 300 yards. But at least feign a little interest in our special time together.
* Broken Promises–Our intentions are good. We told someone we’d call them next week. Or perhaps we promised to send a shoe box of old baseball cards. When we get back to the office… days turn to weeks and weeks turn to never. We forget but they don’t. The beginning of integrity is to do what you say you will do–however trivial. We all drop the ball. But we can all do better.
* WADERS — It’s much better to ignite one new relationship than to trade business cards with 15 people we probably will never see or talk to again. Networking is about creating relationships. It takes time to build a relationship. If you aren’t ready to listen deeply to someone at the meeting may I suggest again, Stay Home! It’s better for you if you do.
1- Come to the meeting with a plan to help someone
2- Explain what you do to help people.
3- Go deep
4- Follow-up quickly
5- Rinse and repeat
What mistakes have you seen made at networking meetings?
9 Comments
Thank you for these tips. Things to execute immediately for all of us.
Dr. Greene, I agree with all of your points except the one about the name badge. For me, reading a name several times and matching it to a face helps me to remember that name in the future. In fact, in my college classes, I make my students wear a name badge during the first class. It only takes one session for me to remember their names for the rest of the semester.
Great article!
I totally understand your point. I don’t know anyone who agrees with me on the name badge issue. I should probably have my students wear name badges–perhaps I could learn their names before graduation!
I’ll just ask you to try going sans badge at your next networking event. People will work harder to learn your name! Let me know how it works out.
Thanks for the post.
The most frustrating thing I have observed is when people you are networking with either completely dominate the conversation or only talk about themselves. Although it is important to get across your mission and vision, it is critical to build a relationship, as Dr. Greene said, which is a two way street. The ability to talk and listen in a 5 minute (if that) conversation while appearing trustworthy and making the other person comfortable is an art and takes practice.
Thanks for your post, Jenn. Good points.
I agree Jen. I think the key is finding the couple of people who you really connect with, instead of trying to get everyone at the event to be your friend. A large part of developing that relationship involves listening, not just talking.