Top Ten Things Not To Do…When Speed Networking
I recently attended a speed networking evening where I did the rounds promoting my freelance copywriting agency, CreativePen. The sandwiches were dry, the wine bitter, the company varied. All in all though, it turned out to be a productive night.
When it comes to speed networking there is a real etiquette one shouldn’t break.
Here’s Ten Things Not To Do When Speed Networking:
- Don’t’ turn up drunk. You only have a limited amount of time to capture the imagination of the business folk sat opposite. So keep a clear mind and stay off the bottle.
- Don’t wear a tie on your head. If you’re going to have a Rambo moment, it’s probably best to do so before you leave the office. Keep your personal and professional life separate.
- Don’t pretend you are stuck in a glass case. Nobody wants to see this. It’s unedifying and frankly people will thing you are insane.
- Don’t Dance. When I start talking business I often feel my feet start to move. I’ve never gone full-blown John Travolta though and neither should you. That is, of course, unless you are promoting a dance business.
- Don’t Get Naked. There are many times in the day when we need to take our clothes off. A speed networking gig is not one of those times. So stay modest and draw attention to your business, not your legs.
- Don’t Talk About Your Model Railway Set. It’s always good to get on personal terms with a prospect client, but speed networking means your time is limited. Therefore, don’t waste half of your 60 seconds jabbering on about the model railway set in your garage.
- Don’t Eat The Entire Buffet. The buffet is there to be enjoyed, but don’t overstay your welcome at the food table. If you eat all the quiche, prospect clients will be angry. Always share.
- Don’t Wear Shades. Eye contact is important in all forms of communication. This is certainly the case when it comes to speed networking. Sure you may look cool, but wearing shades in a dark room will leave people asking: why?
- Don’t Take Your Pet. Speed networking is a place of business, not a vets. So if you are considering taking your pet along, think again.
- Don’t Talk Backwards. Talking backwards is a real skill but if your prospect can’t understand you, a business partnership is unlikely to emerge.
So there you have it: ten things not to do when speed networking.
Ian
1:04 pm, August 14, 2010
Thanks for the advice Matt. reguarly attend spped networking evenings. now i hav a check list to esure things go smootlhy.
joel
8:13 pm, August 18, 2010
lol, Ian, I think Matt was joking. If you need a check list of things like that not to do at networking gigs thenn it worries me to think whatelse u mite do lol.
awesum post!
Johnny
5:26 pm, August 20, 2010
Wow.. i’l never wash again..
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