Business Tips: Dos and Donts of Networking

How you present yourself at a networking event can mean the difference between attracting people and repelling people.

Follow these dos and don’ts to increase the likelihood of making a real connection:

Do: Introduce yourself and let others know what you do.

Don't: Spend any more than 2-3 minutes talking about your work unless
someone conveys an interest by asking questions.

Do: Be respectful of another person’s time and right to not be interested
in your product or services.

Don’t: Be PUSHY!!!

Do: Watch the person’s body language for signs of interest or disinterest
and respond accordingly.

Don’t: Assume the person wants to hear your spill.

Do: Use the opportunity as a chance to make new friends as well as business
connections.

Don’t: Be all business.

Do: Carry business cards.

Don’t: Pester people by calling them for business after the event unless
they specifically asked you to call. They’ll call you if they’re
interested.

Do: Listen more than you speak.

Don’t: Make it a one-way conversation.

Do: Excuse yourself politely if someone is monopolizing your time.

Don’t: Feel compelled to engage in the conversation indefinitely.
You’ll do both of you a favor by freeing him or her to talk to someone who
might be more interested in what they have to offer.

Do: Remember that most people are trying to make a sell of some sort and
more interested in what they have to offer than what you have to offer.

Don’t: Make the conversation all about you, your product or services.

Do: Let others know your personal brand that makes your business different
than others.

Don’t: Sound like you are giving a rehearsed speech.

Do: Be yourself.

Don’t: Forget that you are your business’s most important asset.

Remember these guidelines at your next networking event and watch people
gravitate towards you instead of flee from you.

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