10 Mistakes We Make at Networking Events

For most small business owners/entrepreneurs we realize that we must network and in order to continue to build our network which will grow our businesses. Admittedly, at times it is difficult to find the time to do just that. But whats worse is, when we finally make the time to go to a “networking event” we don’t take full advantage of the experience.

Recently I went to one such event, the Bowie Business Start-up and Support Meetup (http://www.entrepreneur.meetup.com/). At the May meeting, we talked about the 10 mistakes individuals make at networking events. This was presented by Glenn Garnes, a relationship guru.

1. We go, but we don’t know why we are there. Really think about what your purpose is when going to a networking affair. The real purpose should be to be a good listener and get to know people well enough to access whether they are worth the follow up.

2. We hang out with people that we already know. It should be obvious as to why this is a mistake. You can’t expect to extend your network if you just socialize/communicate with in the one your already have.

3. We talk too much about ourselves. Okay, sometimes this is a normal reaction because we practiced our elevator speeches and we really do want to use them or we are the one subject that we know best. But we have to careful of this. When we speak to others we should be asking good questions and again, being a good listener.

4. When we do talk about ourselves we don’t describe it in a way that’s meaningful to people. We need to always highlight how the end client benefits. For example, as a virtual assistant I give time back to the busy business owner by taking care of the administrative tasks that are necessary to keep a business growing.

5. We don’t have an effective follow up system. No one is saying you have to go out and by fancy computerized systems – even though it is an effective option – but some sort of follow- up process must be in place in order to reconnect with people and in turn grow your business.

6. We don’t take the time to meet the “center of influence” or the person who is hosting the event. What Mr. Garnes said was that, we should always want to meet the host because they know enough to get all of these people in a room; wouldn’t we want to be in that network.

7. We aren’t good matchmakers. Be a connector. If you met someone on one side of the room that fills a need or provides a service that someone you met earlier can benefit from, take them to meet each other.

8. We show up to be seen. It most effectively to actively participate in the event; show up on time and stay until the end.

9. We don’t ask the right questions. The right questions are ones that will keep the conversation going. I’ll admit this was/is a fear of mine during networking events. However, I found the book Endless Referrals by Bob Burg, and invaluable resource in preparing me to actively participate in these events.

10. We don’t go to enough networking events. We should make a commitment to do at least 1 per month and then increase it.

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