Learn how to plan, select, follow up, be authentic, generous, and consistent at networking events and build strong professional relationships.

I focus on building genuine connections with a select few individuals. By investing time in getting to know them on a deeper level, understanding their needs, and finding common ground, I found that these connections were far more valuable in the long run. They led to meaningful collaborations, opportunities that I wouldn't have cultivated otherwise. This shift in perspective taught me the importance of quality interactions over sheer quantity. It's not about how many business cards I collect; it's about the depth of the relationships I nurture and the mutual value we bring to each other's professional lives. This approach has significantly enriched my networking experiences and has been instrumental in my BRM journey.

Don't be a wallflower ! mingle! Avoid sticking to your phone. Resist the urge to dominate conversations; it's not a monologue. Don't forget your business cards – yes, they still matter. And please, don't make it all about you. Listen as much as you talk. Lastly, ditch the sales pitch vibe; it's about connections, not transactions. Keep it chill and genuine, and you'll do great!

Last updated on Mar 18, 2024

You're about to attend a networking event. What are the most common mistakes you should avoid?

Networking events can be great opportunities to expand your professional network, learn new insights, and showcase your value. However, they can also be daunting, stressful, and ineffective if you make some common mistakes. In this article, we'll share six tips to help you avoid these pitfalls and make the most of your networking experience.

1 Plan ahead

Don't show up to a networking event without doing some research and preparation. Find out who will be attending, what their backgrounds and interests are, and what goals you have for the event. Then, craft a brief and compelling introduction that highlights your skills, achievements, and value proposition. Also, prepare some open-ended questions that can spark meaningful conversations and demonstrate your curiosity and knowledge.

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Yohani J

Times Higher Education Accredited Counselor | MBA, BBA
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Don't be a wallflower ! mingle! Avoid sticking to your phone. Resist the urge to dominate conversations; it's not a monologue. Don't forget your business cards – yes, they still matter. And please, don't make it all about you. Listen as much as you talk. Lastly, ditch the sales pitch vibe; it's about connections, not transactions. Keep it chill and genuine, and you'll do great!

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Brett Weinberg

Global Accounts Director | Digital Transformation | AI & IoT | Security | Data Centers | SaaS | Professional A/V | Watch Enthusiast
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A common misstep is being overly self-promotional and transactional. Instead, focus on making genuine connections by being an engaged listener. Ask insightful questions about others' backgrounds and interests to spark memorable conversations. Another pitfall is appearing disinterested or distracted, whether buried in your phone or frantically scanning the room. Be present, make eye contact, and project friendly body language signaling approachability. Avoid abruptly exiting conversations or seeming closed off to new interactions. Networking is about circulating and exploring mutual interests organically. Have a concise personal pitch ready, but don't dominate airtime. Most importantly, follow up promptly after quality engagements.

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2 Be selective

Don't try to talk to everyone at a networking event. You'll end up spreading yourself too thin, wasting time, and making shallow connections. Instead, focus on quality over quantity. Identify the people who are most relevant to your objectives, and approach them with confidence and respect. Don't interrupt or barge into existing conversations, but wait for a natural opening or ask for permission to join. Then, engage them with your introduction and questions, and listen actively to their responses.

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Anna Voznaya

Providing tech companies with strategic & AI expertise
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I focus on building genuine connections with a select few individuals. By investing time in getting to know them on a deeper level, understanding their needs, and finding common ground, I found that these connections were far more valuable in the long run. They led to meaningful collaborations, opportunities that I wouldn't have cultivated otherwise. This shift in perspective taught me the importance of quality interactions over sheer quantity. It's not about how many business cards I collect; it's about the depth of the relationships I nurture and the mutual value we bring to each other's professional lives. This approach has significantly enriched my networking experiences and has been instrumental in my BRM journey.

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3 Follow up

Don't let the connections you make at a networking event fade away. You need to follow up with them within 24 hours to show your interest and appreciation, and to reinforce your impression. Send a personalized email or message that reminds them of who you are, what you discussed, and what value you can offer. Also, suggest a specific action or next step, such as setting up a meeting, sharing a resource, or introducing them to someone else.

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4 Be authentic

Don't pretend to be someone you're not at a networking event. You'll come across as insincere, dishonest, and untrustworthy. Instead, be yourself and show your personality, passion, and values. Don't exaggerate or lie about your achievements, skills, or interests, but be honest and humble. Don't try to impress or please everyone, but be respectful and polite. Don't hide your weaknesses or challenges, but share them as opportunities for learning and improvement.

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Erica Terrill

Driving SMB Growth 🚀 | 🌟 Latina Leader in Business Development 🌟
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Authenticity is key when networking. One common mistake to avoid is trying to portray a persona that isn't genuine. Authenticity builds trust and fosters genuine connections. It's crucial to be honest about your achievements and interests, as exaggerating or pretending can damage credibility. Additionally, don't feel the need to please everyone; focus on building meaningful connections with those whose values align with yours. Lastly, don't shy away from sharing your challenges—vulnerability can spark valuable conversations and opportunities for growth. Be yourself, and let your genuine personality shine through!

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5 Be generous

Don't approach networking as a one-way street, where you only seek to gain something from others. You'll be seen as selfish, opportunistic, and unprofessional. Instead, approach networking as a two-way street, where you also offer something to others. You can offer your advice, feedback, support, referrals, or resources. You can also offer your gratitude, recognition, praise, or endorsement. By being generous, you'll build trust, rapport, and goodwill with your network.

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6 Be consistent

Don't treat networking as a one-time event, where you only reach out to others when you need something from them. You'll be perceived as transactional, unreliable, and short-sighted. Instead, treat networking as an ongoing process, where you maintain regular contact with your network. You can do this by sending updates, sharing news, asking questions, giving feedback, or celebrating achievements. By being consistent, you'll strengthen your relationships, increase your visibility, and create more opportunities.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're about to attend a networking event. What are the most common mistakes you should avoid?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Plan ahead

2 Be selective

3 Follow up

4 Be authentic

5 Be generous

6 Be consistent

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Relationship Management

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You're about to attend a networking event. What are the most common mistakes you should avoid?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Plan ahead

2 Be selective

3 Follow up

4 Be authentic

5 Be generous

6 Be consistent

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Relationship Management

Rate this article

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