You've just started your own business and have arranged to meet up with a large group of professionals in the same field. Your goal? To network and make as many good contacts as possible - these future relationships could be vital to your business's growth. Before you set off for your event, you'll want to revise some good business networking practices. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
1. Forgetting Your Business Cards
You'll want to exchange as many business cards as you can. If you forget yours, you'll appear unprofessional scribbling your details on pieces of scrap paper. Instead, a well-presented business card will convey a lot about you - those who take yours will be encouraged to look up your web details or contact you again via the details supplied.
2. Not Being Polite and Courteous
People will want to know what type of person you are. If you can be considerate and polite, even when things go wrong, e.g., when you have bad service at a restaurant, this will speak volumes about your character. Avoid being negative about anyone or anything, even your competition. A person who is positive about things is a more attractive person to be around.
3. Not Watching What You Eat and Drink
The best advice when drinking and eating is to do as little of it as possible when networking. Consuming too much alcohol can quickly start to cloud what you say and how you appear to others. Also, it is never easy to juggle plates of food, shaking hands, swapping business cards and smooth conversation while you are eating. Try and eat something before an event if you can - even if it is at a restaurant, you can order something to nibble on rather than to appease your appetite. And be aware that it is rarely attractive to talk with you mouth full of food.
4. Not Being Prepared for Casual Conversation
When meeting people for the first time, there are likely to be some lulls in the conversation. Have a few interesting subjects on hand to help revive a conversation again. Watch or read the news the day before your meeting, or browse through magazines related to your field - then bring up something you think might interest someone else or be good for discussion. Avoid controversial subjects like politics or religion.
5. Getting Stuck with One Group of People
It's easy to find a group of people you feel comfortable talking with, and you might feel reluctant to keep working the room. But don't let your goal of networking slip out of your focus. Try and pretend the event you are at is something you are hosting and make yourself move on and greet and talk to more people. Perhaps offer to get your new group some drinks or offer them a plate of appetizers - these tricks make good first impressions.
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