Networking Etiquette

As I’ve attended and hosted Biznik networking events, I’ve been reminded more than once that “common sense” just isn’t as common as it should be. Things that seem obvious to me are not to everyone, and I’m sure the reverse is true. I offer this article to address two of the most common blunders I’ve witnessed at recent events, and to spark discussion and additional tips from readers! TIP #1: PAY WHAT YOU OWE We've all been there before: you host an event at a restaurant - maybe you're out with friends or, as many of us do, perhaps you're hosting a Biznik networking event.  Only the restaurant won’t split the check.  Most folks are pretty great about whipping out their cell phone calculators, figuring out what they owe, and leaving that plus a buck or two to cover their tab.  But it seems that at every such event, there's always that one person who underpays (or, the nightmare when several do so), and the host or hostess gets stuck footing their bill. It should go without saying that when you attend such an event and eat or drink, you absolutely must pay all that you owe. Then, for good measure, pad it by $.50 or $1.  Hosting an event shouldn't cost the host money, especially if that cost is to pay for your meal.  Nitpicking over a relatively small amount of money can end up costing you more than $2 – it can cost you your good reputation. TIP #2: NEVER SHOVE YOUR BUSINESS CARD IN SOMEONE’S FACE Recently I was at a great Biznik event, where people were mixing, mingling, and enjoying great food and drinks. It’s customary, at least in my world, that you meet someone, shake their hand, and chat a bit about this and that. The topic then comes around to your business (the inevitable “what do you do?”), and at that time, it’s perfectly appropriate to offer your conversational partner one of your business cards. (Bonus tip: whenever you give yours out, be sure to ask for theirs in return!) I actually witnessed a fellow networker (let’s call her “Jane”) walk up to a group of folks chatting and, before even shaking anyone’s hand, thrust a business card into our outstretched hands. No, really – before saying hello, before introducing herself, before shaking a hand – Jane (who I personally know to be lovely and intelligent) created the instant impression that she was an overbearing, socially awkward individual. Perhaps she was nervous or overwhelmed by the crowd. But her audience doesn’t know that, and being known as “that person” (there that phrase is again) will only make each successive networking event more awkward and difficult – for Jane, and for her companions. CONCLUSION: A REPUTATION IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE We've all got friends we know are always ________ (fill in the blank).  Always late, always stingy, always a little too free with their words after a glass of wine.  Just as in our social lives, once you earn a certain reputation, it's pretty hard to shake.  Unfair or otherwise, realize that what you do wrong at one event can follow you around for a long, long time.  Be intentional about the image you wish to portray at networking events, and then create a strategy in advance to help you create that image. A good reputation is a terrible thing to waste, and one or two missteps can do just that. I invite and look forward to comments and tips from all of you! 2008-06-10T18:09:52Z

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networking-etiquette

2008-06-12T13:28:24Z

Do's and don'ts for networking events.

Networking Etiquette

2009-02-24T09:44:44Z