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BOOK EXCERPT
📖 17 Networking Mistakes To Avoid Before An Event
Excerpted and adapted from 51+ Networking Mistakes book by Bart Smith
Reprinted by Permission
A successful networking event usually begins before you ever walk through the door.
The biggest pre-event mistakes are often simple: not knowing why you are going, not researching the event, showing up without a plan, failing to prepare what you will say, or arriving without the materials and confidence you need.
Here are 17 mistakes to avoid before your next networking event:
1. Going without a clear reason for attending.
Remind yourself why you are networking in the first place. Are you looking for clients, referrals, resources, investors, friends, career ideas, business contacts or new opportunities? A clear purpose gives the event direction.
2. Failing to research the event.
Know the theme, host, sponsor, location and general purpose before you arrive. A few minutes of research can help you walk in informed instead of asking basic questions everyone else already knows.
3. Ignoring the people or organizations connected to the event.
Look up the host company, speakers, sponsors and anyone you especially want to meet. Research gives you better conversation starters and helps you recognize important contacts.
4. Showing up without a specific outcome.
Decide what a successful event would look like. You might want three strong leads, five new contacts, one appointment, several referrals or simply a better understanding of a new industry.
5. Choosing the wrong event.
Do not attend simply because an event exists. Be selective. Your time is valuable, so target events where the people, topic and opportunities actually fit your goals.
6. Failing to write down your goals.
A short written goal list creates focus. Decide how many people you want to meet, what types of people you want to find, what you want to learn and what you hope to accomplish.
7. Arriving without rehearsing what you will say.
You do not need a robotic script, but you should know how to introduce yourself, explain what you do, ask a few smart questions and exit a conversation naturally.
8. Not preparing conversation starters.
The easiest way to avoid awkward silence is to have a few questions ready. Ask about the person's work, why they attended, what they are looking for or what they think of the event.
9. Ignoring your appearance.
First impressions matter. Dress appropriately for the setting, but when in doubt, step it up a notch. You want to look polished, confident and ready to meet people.
10. Failing to check yourself before entering.
Take a quick look in a mirror or use your phone camera. Check your clothing, hair, teeth, shoes and overall appearance so you enter the room feeling confident.
11. Forgetting personal-grooming basics.
Fresh breath, clean hands, deodorant and a few simple travel items can prevent an avoidable bad impression. Prepare before you need them.
12. Showing up without business cards or a digital contact option.
People cannot follow up if they cannot find you. Carry enough cards, or keep a digital business card or contact file ready on your phone.
13. Bringing weak or confusing marketing materials.
If you use flyers, brochures, postcards, books or samples, make sure they clearly explain what you do and how someone can contact you afterward.
14. Failing to prepare to collect contact information.
If you are building an email list or collecting leads, decide how you will capture names, email addresses and phone numbers before the event begins.
15. Not being ready to sell when appropriate.
If you carry books, products or services that people may want to buy, have a way to accept payment. Do not lose an easy sale because you were unprepared.
16. Ignoring practical logistics.
Know where to park, whether cash might be useful, how long the event lasts and what time you should arrive. Small logistical surprises can throw off your entire evening.
17. Walking in with the wrong attitude.
If you are exhausted, negative, distracted or convinced the event will be terrible, that mood will show. Get your energy right before you enter. Your mindset affects every first impression you make.
FINAL THOUGHT
Networking is much easier when you remove avoidable problems before they happen.
Know why you are going. Know who you want to meet. Prepare what you need. Look your best. Walk in ready. The event starts before the event.
(THIS CONTINUES IN THE BOOK)
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