Business Solutions

Rules of Networking Events

If you’ve been in business long enough you realize that networking events are an essential part of a business person’s life, your life.  So, the next time you find yourself at another networking event, consider and keep in mind these rules, and the people you meet will be thankful to you:

• “Network” isn’t something that you do; it is something you continually build.
• Meeting someone for five minutes of casual conversation at a networking event does not give you the right to become their “friend” on Facebook. Never ever, ever!  But you should feel free to send them a LinkedIn invite with no problem at all.
• Understand and remember that it takes much more time to recover from a weak handshake than it does to learn to give a firm one.
• Of course, your life story is far more interesting to you than to someone you’ve just met. Since you’ve already heard it before, take the time and interest to listen to what they have to say.
• All stories that start with, “There was this one time, that I ….” are extremely boring. You should practice and learn to welcome experiences in place of steering clear of them.
• It is important to remember to never enter a conversation at networking event with more than half a drink in your hand (less is better). Needing a refill is one of the best excuses you can use to leave.
• Asking someone “What do you do?” within the first minute of meeting suggests your interest in them depends on their answer, so exercise patience.
• When you meet someone for the very first time, above all else make certain they don’t listen to you complain. About anything at all, small or large, and even in jest.
• The most underrated skill that takes practice to skillfully possess and use at networking events is ability to end conversations, not start them.
• Never think you “network” to meet people. But think “network” to help people.

Remember networking events are there for you to listen to the world, and hear what people have to say. Especially if you are building your own brand and want your company to succeed, listening is the best and almost foolproof way to build a lasting network of valued relationships.