What NOT To Do – Networking Halloween Horrors

What are the worst things you can possibly do at a networking meeting? You name it, I’ve probably seen it over the years – and as it’s the season of frights and scares, I thought I’d share some of my top Networking Halloween Horrors! 

 

We all go to networking to promote our businesses, build relationships and make the best impression possible – so you want to get the most out of that experience. These are the Networking No-Nos that can put those benefits at serious risk – and more importantly, what you can do to avoid them… 

 

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen people make at networking is not listening. It can be tempting if you’re nervous, or in a meeting for the first time, to jump straight in with what you can sell and how it will transform everything for the person you’ve just met. 

 

People can quickly tune out if they feel they’re being sold to, rather than engaged in a conversation. Listen attentively, and take a genuine interest in their business – your turn will come. 

 

 

The flip side of the first one – not saying enough about your business! 

 

You may dread the pitch – many people do – but there’s no excuse for not giving it a bit of thought beforehand. This is your chance to explain what you do, why you love it and what you can offer – it can be as simple as that, to get your passion and message across. Showing up to a networking event without knowing what you’re going to say about your business is a real opportunity missed. 

 

 

It’s tempting to over-promise, especially when you’re keen to make a good impression on someone – but trust is such a valuable business commodity. You know the phrase ‘under-promise and over-deliver’: it’s dangerous to tell people you can do things you can’t, and much better to undersell what you can do, and then surprise them with added value. 

 

 

It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often it happens: make sure your business card details are right, and that your website and email are working! Why risk them looking elsewhere for someone who’s easier to contact, when you’ve worked hard at building the connection? 

 

 

OK, so I’ve never heard someone use those exact words – yet! But your body language can make it quite obvious that it’s what you want to say. If you’re constantly looking around the room, checking your phone, or not really engaging in the conversation – those are all sure signs that you want out. 

 

And it’s OK to leave - there is a chance that you’ll find yourself in a conversation that’s just not clicking, and that’s not a problem - just exit gracefully. Have a couple of lines in mind to use should you need them, and failing that, a quick trip to the loo or coffee station are always handy standbys! 

 

 

Networking doesn’t end when the meeting does. One of the worst things you can do is to plant the seeds for all those great connections, agree to have 1:1 sessions outside the meeting to nurture them, and then never make contact again. Get in touch within a reasonable time and have those 1:1s, because that’s where the real networking magic happens: those relationships, collaborations and sales will start to flourish. 

 

Networking is a skill that gets easier with practice, and avoiding these Networking Halloween Horrors this October can help you make the best impression possible. Be considerate, prepared, focused on building genuine connections, and above all, ready to listen: and you’ll set yourself up for plenty of long-term success. 

 

I’d love to welcome you to a meeting this autumn, and we have so many for you to choose from. Contact me today to book your place.