The Seven Deadly Sins of Networking

The Closer - Selling to everyone in the room.

We've all seen that person at an event -  giving the hard sell to people in the room.

Remember, effective networking is about meeting, understanding and connecting with other professionals - not selling. Plant the seeds of a mutually beneficial relationship and the sales will begin to grow.

In Ann Arbor we discussed what a faux pas it is to discuss politics and religion at a networking event. Interestingly we immediately spent the next 20 minutes discussing politics and religion. It was too funny.

Those who have attended my training know that you go to networking events to network, not to sell. I agree with your point Charlie.

Funny, Terry.

From me - Nobody learns anything by talking (did I just write that!?!)  Listening is a learned skill and needs to be practiced.  My confession - I have to concentrate on this daily.

Other - "I want to meet anybody who breathes" - general asks are not productive.  When preparing for an event it is helpful to have a specific ask--person, industry group leader.  This will engage the minds of others for someone they know.  I am working on a lead for another MCC member right now because they had a specific ask.

Spending much, most, or all of your time with people you already know. If they are professionals they understand that you there to meet synergistic people. Say brief pleasantries and then get on your way to networking with new people -- and let your friends do they same!

Terry, I like your statement "You go to a networking event to network".

"Hurry Scurry" networkers - The people who want to stuff you with their info at a high speed, while their attention is around identifying the next pit stop !

Keith: Hi, my name is <interuption> "That guy": HERE'S MY BUSINESS CARD (in your face)... and on to the next victim! usually that person is in a different job every few months (needless to say).

Gotta love those folks at a networking event, mixer, or group!

Occasionally we all run into the ones who can't see the forest for the trees. If you don't "fit" their customer profile, they dismiss you - not realizing your contact list may be full of the people they want to meet.

I agree with everything!  I must have a lot of pet peeves : )

However, I will add that lack of follow up or lack of response to follow up is another hot buttion issue.  

Mary is right on about the listening.  Pet peeve number 256 is when I know someone is interested in talking, but not interested in listening!

The leach - is my pet peeve.  The person you meet and doesn't let you move on and meet other people without following you around. 

Don't stick on to a good networker for the entire event.  Most people will gladly introduce you to a few people however, don't expect them to spend the entire event with you - they will be annoyed.

How about the person who really doesn't want to be there.   You can see it in their face, hear it in their voice, and notice it in their body language.  If you don't want to be there and possibly benefit from meeting someone new, go home!

Was that being too harsh?

Velociraptors! The folks that come from the same organization, corner you in groups of two or more, and attack  from all angles.

The Stalker Won't take no for an answer, and amke it their mission in life to convince you cannot live without their product/service.