Networking Dos & Don’ts #1
Don’t ruin your first impression with bad breath. Pop a few mints before you arrive and have them handy in case you need them during the event.
Bad breath is the worst when you are at a crowded event and you must lean in close to someone with bad breath. All you want to do is get away from him or her as quickly as possible. So don’t be "that guy" or "that lady" with bad breath! Add the use of a tongue scraper to your daily regimen of brushing and flossing to reduce the likelihood of bad breath throughout your day.
Networking Dos & Don’ts #2
At networking events, we become less approachable when our hands are tied up with food and drink. Remember, we are not there to eat. We are there to network. Always mingle first, then eat later. Eating before we arrive is a great way to curb our hunger. If we must eat, find an out-of-the-way seat, eat quickly and then resume mingling., eat quickly and then resume mingling.
Networking Dos & Don’ts #3
When eating at a networking event, be selective with the foods you choose. Choose foods that can be eaten in one bite, and stay away from foods that will cause bad breath. It is always best to select foods that can be eaten with toothpicks (and refrain from choosing "sticky" items) so that your hands stay fresh and clean for handshaking.
Networking Dos & Don’ts #4
Handshaking is impossible when you have a drink in one hand and a plate full of food in the other. If you are standing, refrain from eating and drink at the same time. Free and open arms will make you more approachable.
Networking Dos & Don’ts #5
At every networking event, there is always "that guy" who periodically spits food particles onto the plates of others. This is a great way to become the most avoided individual in the room. To improve your personal magnetism, simply refrain from speaking with food in your mouth.
Networking Dos & Don’ts #6
Always hold your beverage in your left-hand so that your right hand will not be cold, wet or clammy when shaking hands. And, in between drinks, keep your glass or coffee cup low (away from your face) near your stomach or waist. All eyes should be on YOU, not your beverage.
Networking Dos & Don’ts #7
It is easier to attend a networking event if you go with someone you know. However, resist the temptation to stay with that person all night. Otherwise, you defeat the purpose of the event. Simply use these individuals to "get you started" and then move on to introducing yourself to other attendees.
Networking Dos & Don’ts #8
Respect everyone’s personal space. Don’t stand closer than three feet to someone else unless the room is crowded. If it is necessary to stand closer, a polite acknowledgement/apology is in order. For example, "It is quite loud in here tonight, and I am having difficulty hearing you. Please forgive me for standing so close and leaning in to hear you."
Networking Dos & Don’ts #9
Engaging new acquaintances in unwelcome and unsavory topics (including gossip) is a fantastic way to create a negative first impression. Your integrity will come in to question and your new acquaintance will not fully trust you. If another attendee initiates this type of conversation, immediately excuse yourself and move on.
Networking Dos & Don’ts #10
Be a good listener and don’t monopolize the conversation. You don’t want to become known as the "one-sided (me, me, me) conversationalist." Instead, engage in a smooth flow of conversation that gently bounces back and forth between you and your new acquaintance.
Yours in personal and professional development,
Starla West, Indianapolis’ Premier Corporate Image Coach
