SolveYourProblem Article Series: Networking
How To Successfully Network Yourself

Basic Rules of Networking Etiquette

If you work in the business world, networking is a very important part of your job. The contacts you build up while networking can be crucial to your success in the job you are in now, and crucial to helping your pursue new opportunities in the future. To get the most out of your networking, however, you should observe some basic rules of etiquette.

One very basic rule that is perhaps the most important rule of networking is to pay attention to the cues you are getting from the other person. If you have just met a potential new contact outside of traditional networking venues, then try and gauge how interested they are in talking business right then and there. Someone you meet on the plane, in a bar, or at a party may end up being your most valuable contact at some point in the future, but if you infringe on their downtime, you may never get past go. If someone is responsive to your business talk, that’s great, but don’t push it. If the time isn’t right, simply say you enjoyed meeting them and that you would like to swap business cards with a view to chatting about mutual opportunities at a more appropriate time. People will appreciate your consideration, and by respecting boundaries, you will have already scored some points with your new contacts.

If you are at a more traditional networking event, like a trade show or meet and greet, it is important that you mind your manners when it comes to the free food and drink. Don’t load up your plate with complementary chicken wings and go around the room introducing yourself while chomping away. If you’re going to grab some food, take that time as a break, and finish your chow before trying to nail down that new deal. It also goes without saying that you should choose your food wisely. Lox, onions, and garlic cream cheese may not be the way to go before you meet new people; you may find you are remembered for all the wrong reasons. If the free drink is flowing, remember to drink with caution. Dancing on the table may get you a few laughs, but little else. Know your limits and stick to them. Another trick of the trade when it comes to drinking is to always hold your drink your left hand - that way your right hand is always free for shaking.

When you meet someone at a networking event, remember you are both there for the same reason; to make as many new contacts as possible. Don’t monopolize someone’s time or latch on to them and follow them from room to room. When you meet someone, talk for a few minutes, exchange business cards and then move on, so you both have time to continue to work the room. Remember, you’re looking for a new business contact, not a new best friend.

Another important rule of networking etiquette is to not over promise. Don’t play up your ability to accomplish things that you can’t or make deals you don’t have the authority to make. If you get a reputation for being all talk and no action, your networking opportunities may soon evaporate.

Networking is so important to get right in business; it can mean the difference between success and failure. Though it is intimidating to some people, all it really boils down to is confidence and consideration. Employ some basic rules of etiquette to your networking opportunities, and before you know it, the contacts will be coming to you, instead of the other way around.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007

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