I-A-Q #22: How Not to Be Awkward at Your Next Networking Event
Happy Monday!
Here is an Idea, an Action, and a Question to consider this week.
Idea
I was leading a local meet-up not too long ago. My meet-ups are great. They’re fun, casual, and oftentimes, full of great conversations and connections.
At this particular meet-up, I had a fairly eager group of solar salespeople who showed up to––well, crashed––the event. They hooked up their laptop to one of the TVs in the venue, and did a presentation, without asking, on the value of solar power.
It was obnoxious—cringeworthy really…
It was a networking no-no.
If you don’t want to be an annoying, awkward attendee of a networking event, you need to, as Gary Vaynerchuk says: “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook.”
In other words, you need to give, give, give, and then, and only then, take.
These solar guys just wanted to sell. They didn’t care about adding value, being helpful, learning, or listening. Like hungry tigers approaching their prey, these dudes were ready to pounce.
When it comes to networking events, don’t be like this solar salesperson. Provide as much value as you can before you take anything away.
And also: The more events you attend, the better you become at being an attendee. It’s a numbers game, baby, so go to as many events as you can. Practice makes improvement.
