Business Networking: Treat it Like a First Date

With Valentine's day right around the corner, a similarity popped into mind between business networking and dating.

I know we all have been given pointers by our friends and Vogue magazine on proper conduct on a first date. Most of that advice can be applied at networking events. Instead of making you go to the magazine aisle for the newest issue of Seventeen (P.S. Is that still in print?), I'll spout them out here.

1. Avoid Religion. That's a big 'no no' on first dates and should also be avoided in networking conversation. The last thing you want to do is get in a Jesus debate with someone you just met. You could offend them... and you can be sure they won't remember you as Mike the Carpenter, but as Mike the Anti-Semitic jerk.

(Get it... carpenter... Jesus... ok, moving on.)

Just keep it light. Obviously, it's okay to mention things in

passing-- "Oh, I know where that is... we pass it on the way to church." Use your common sense.

2. Avoid Politics. Yes, another biggie. Of course, in this election year, it's on the brain. It may seem like it's a "how about this weather..." kind of topic, but IT'S NOT. We all have opinions on the upcoming election and why candidate 'so-and-so' is the right choice, but leave the living room politics at home.

3. Salaries. Duh... but don't ask how much money someone makes. Rude.

4. Don't Get Personal. SO many reasons not to bring up "relationships." If you ask about someone's significant other, they may get the wrong idea and think you're hitting on them.

You could also hit on a sore subject. "Oh, aren't you Brad's wife... oh... you did... sorry to hear that..." Yeah. AWKWARD. Keep it professional. If something along those lines enters into the conversation, it needs to be them to bring it up.

On the opposite end of this, don't be the guy showing 18 million pictures of your newborn baby on your smartphone to a complete stranger. Unless it's dressed up in animal costumes. Especially a lobster costume. That would be funny.

5. Don't be a chatterbox. No one wants to listen to someone rattle on forever about themselves. It needs to be a dialogue. Keep your answers on the shorter side.

6. Keep it positive. Nothing is worse than being on a first date with someone who is trying to compete with Eeyore. Yes, we all have our fair share of stresses in our lives, but don't bring them up while networking. Smile and try to enjoy yourself.

Networking is like a first date. You're auditioning to continue to be in someone's business life, whether it be just linked-in buddies or a long-term client.

Be polite and upbeat... and follow the rules.

And now, for your viewing pleasure:

Thanks and happy networking,

Jackie

Networking Event Manners

It's almost the 3 year anniversary for Wilmington Young Professionals. I've had the opportunity to host at least one event for WYP every month and have attended many other networking group events in the past few years.

If you haven't been to a networking event before and are just following this blog because of my fantastic writing style, let me set the stage. The events are normally at restaurants (or it's an outside venue that gets catered). Normally, appetizers are usually donated for the group and sometimes even wine/beer is provided. There isn't a cost to attend, so people are networking for free unless they buy additional food/beverages. Attendance varies per group and event-- we usually average about 100-150.

All that being said, the host restaurant/venue puts in a lot of extra work to prep for the event and usually brings in additional help to ensure that the event runs smoothly.

One thing that I've noticed happening during some events has disturbed me. I have seen it several times... but it baffles me every time.

Attendees being rude to the waitstaff.

Being rude to the waitstaff for "small pours" or slow service is the most common. Think on this:

A. They're working extra hard so that you can grow your business...for free.

B. Do you realize how unprofessional that looks? If you really feel like you were given poor treatment from the staff, pull the host of the group aside and inform them.

Personally, when I see someone announce to the members around them about slow service, it makes me not want to do business with them. If they are going to be that rude in public over not getting their Yuengling, I'd be afraid they'd do that in a professional relationship.

Food for thought.

P.S. No, this didn't happen at our last event. Carolina Farmin' had amazing food and staff---I thought it was wonderful that I witnessed so many members expressing their gratitude to our Host venue for their efforts that night. Classy.

Upcoming: Business After Hours at Yosake--Thursday, February 23rd 5-8pm.