Networking is the best way of connecting with great personalities. It gives you a chance to meet like-minded people and grow your professional network. It also helps you build deep personal connections, which are always a plus to have in life.
However, when you are at a networking event, you can face some challenges. It can be that person who keeps pitching you their business (you don’t want to be that). Or you may forget to bring your business card. Whatever the mistake is, it can cost you a great connection. Thus, we are listing five mistakes that you should never make in a networking event.
Mistake 1: Being awkward and unconfident
We get that you are not comfortable being around so many people talking about yourself. However, if you continue being awkward during the event, people will not approach you. Everyone likes to approach someone who is smiling, friendly, and confident.
To remedy this practice with a friend or take help from a
counselor. They can help you prepare how to introduce yourself and have a pitch
ready.
Mistake 2: Only talking about yourself
Another mistake that many people make at a networking event is talking only about themselves. Yes, you are there to make connections and get more clients. Still, if you do not even listen to the other person or let them talk, you will make no connections.
No one likes to talk to a person who is only talking about their interests. If you do not stop and ask questions about the person, they will walk away.
So, ask questions, learn about what they do, and if you can offer them any help, do it. The event is not only for you to get expected results. It is also about offering help wherever you can.
Mistake 3: Not carrying a business card
Do not think that a business card is an obsolete method of marketing. This little card has all the critical details that anyone requires to contact you. It also helps them learn more about your business.
Keep the business cards in your wallet or your car or so on. That way, you will never be without them. The best way, though, is to have a chip business card. It is easy to share, and you do not have to worry about carrying the cards with you always.
Mistake 4: Being silent when a conversation is happening
If you are talking in a group and providing no input to the conversation, that will not help you. Also, in a two-on-two conversation, silence can be the death of the conversation. So first, avoid yes or no questions. Also, have a few questions in the back of your mind that you can use to fill the silence. Practicing this at home will help you a lot.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to follow up
So, you met someone and instantly hit off. You even shared a business card with them. Great! The work doesn’t end here though! You need to follow up with a phone call or an email.
Avoid these mistakes, or you may be that one person who people are
avoiding at any cost. Look your best, smile, be confident, carry your business
card, and be helpful. If you do this, you have a better chance at making many
deep connections.
No comments:
Post a Comment