8 Business Networking Blunders to Avoid

Business networking can be a very powerful tool for marketing your business and can lead to increased sales.  It’s also a very effective tool for job seekers.  Many business professionals rely on networking events for new leads yet many lack a savvy about business networking techniques.

Networking is a way of building professional relationships and generating new business opportunities.  It is a reciprocal process based on the exchange of ideas, contacts, and referrals.   Attending a networking event can be a great way to grow your small business or to even find someone that may be hiring.   It is important to remember proper business etiquette in approaching and developing new professional relationships.  Here’s a list of how to avoid the blunders some networkers make:

1. Don’t only talk about yourself.  Instead think “How can I help you?”  Be a giver of qualified referrals and help your fellow networkers make connections.
2. Don’t try to schedule a meeting immediately.  This isn’t an opportunity for you to fill up your calendar.  It’s more advantageous to get to know people first.  If a connection is made, ask for permission to call or email within a specific time frame.
3. Don’t monopolize their time.  Be considerate and only spend 2-5 minutes with each person and move on. 
4. Don’t try to eat, drink and talk at the same time.  The food and drink may be tempting, but chewing and talking don’t work well together.  It’s also difficult to greet people when both hands are full.
5. Don’t give out your business card to everyone.  Wait until you’re asked.  When you’re handed a card, take it and look at it respectfully, rather than just stuffing it away immediately.
6. Don’t interrupt conversations.  When two people are facing each other and engaged in a discussion, don’t disturb them.  Instead, look for someone standing alone or in a group that appears to be open.
7. Don’t look around when talking to someone.  When we maintain eye contact, it let’s the other person know that we’re truly interested in them.
8. Don’t tell inappropriate jokes or use offensive language.  Showing a sense of humor is admirable; offending someone is unforgivable.   Remember your image is everything.  Set a good example and you’ll attract like-minded people AND increase your chances of achieving success.