Business Networking For Dummies

Chapter 21

Ten Networking Gaffes to Avoid

In This chapter

Hogging the limelight

Turning up late for events

Not bothering to follow up

I hope that, with this book in your hands, you’re starting to get networking right.

But even if you only read this chapter, you can at least make sure you’re getting it less wrong!

Talking Only About Yourself

This is the biggest mistake I witness on my networking travels. In no other sales environment would it be sensible to talk only about yourself, what you do, how brilliant your products are and why people should buy from you.

In any other sales environment you’d ask a little about the other person, establish some commonality and then find out about their needs and requirements before establishing whether your product or service might help.

Do you want to end a conversation with the other person thinking, ‘What an interesting guy; and he was really interested in me. When he follows up I really must make sure I find out some more about what he does’ or the alternative, ‘Goodness, that man couldn’t stop talking about himself; I’ll make sure I avoid him in future’?

I’ve seen people miss huge opportunities by only talking about themselves, as well as ...