What NOT to Do at a Networking Event

In a previous article (How To Ace Your Very First Networking Event), I looked at what you should do when you go to a networking event – however, in addition to doing the right things, you also need to pay attention to the things that you should definitely not do at such events.

Here is a list of things that one should not do at a networking event:

• Do not over or under dress for the occasion – Many people do not pay attention to the dress code that might have been mentioned on the invite and end up being over or under dressed for the event. You need to remember that how you are dressed will affect not only how people perceive you, but also how confident you feel.
• Never attend an event without gathering some information first – Simply getting an invite for an event is not enough; you need to make sure that you gather some information about the event beforehand. Find out who will be present and who the main speakers will be, as this will allow you to have some questions ready in advance.
• Don’t go with friends – While going to a party with your friends might be a great idea, when you are going to a networking event, it is best that you either go alone or go with someone who shares the same visions for the future. However, once at the event, choose to go your separate ways and mingle individually. Similarly, do not spend time mingling with people you already know. While there is nothing wrong in exchanging pleasantries with them, spend time trying to meet new people and build new connections.
• Don’t try to meet everyone – While it might seem like the easy option to meet everyone at the event, it is not possible and also not advisable. Try to figure out who might prove to be the most beneficial on your path to your dream and spend as much time as possible with them.
• Don’t be nervous, but don’t talk too much either– Even though you might be meeting most of the people for the very first time, it is important that you maintain your cool and composure. People tend to remember confident people, but people also tend to remember people who talk too much, albeit in a negative manner. Make sure that you listen to others, when they are talking, because you never know when you might learn something new or important and whenever someone is talking, never ever interrupt!
• Don’t be fuddled with your own thoughts – It is easy to get carried away and keep on rambling, but it is important to remember that other’s time is precious and you should not be wasting it. Have a clear idea of what you want to relay and make sure that you do so in the simplest manner possible and more importantly, in the least amount of time. Similarly, if you have any questions to ask, keep them to the point.
• Don’t forget basic manners– Many of these kinds of events tend to have alcohol being served with food. Remember to keep a control over yourself, because if you get drunk, you are bound to lose control over yourself, and probably make a fool in front of the people who could make or break your future. Similarly, when you are eating, remember that you are here to network, not hog!
• Don’t hound people– You might be in awe of the speakers and you might have learnt a lot from them. But that does not mean that you start hounding them – take a few minutes to ask the questions you feel are most important and if their attention starts to waiver, thank them and move away. Do not keep walking around behind them and make them feel uncomfortable. If you have more questions, ask them if you can call them or meet them later and if they say yes, get their contact information.
• Follow up, but don’t stalk– There is actually a very fine line between following up and stalking someone. Once you are back from the event, you should follow up with the people that you met, but if the other person does not show a lot of interest in continuing the conversation, let it go. If you keep calling them or trying to fix an appointment with them, it would be considered nothing less than stalking.

Frequently asked questions

What should you avoid at a networking event?

Dressing wrongly for the occasion, arriving without researching attendees and speakers, sticking with friends or people you already know, and trying to meet everyone.

Should you go to a networking event with friends?

It is better to go alone or with someone who shares your goals, and to mingle separately once you arrive.

How do you prepare for a networking event?

Check the dress code, find out who will attend and speak, and prepare questions in advance.