13 Mistakes to Avoid at Your Next Networking Event

13 Mistakes to Avoid at Your Next Networking Event13 Mistakes to Avoid at Your Next Networking Event How good are your networking skills, really? Are you gaining awesome connections at every vorstellung, or do you leave with a handful of cards for contacts that never pan out?As you may have guessed, theres more to the networking hustle than showing up at an event and hitting the bar. Networking has its own skillset, and you could be ruining your chances at making connections (and securing your next job) without even knowing it.To help you hone your hustle, weve put together a list of thirteen classic newbie mistakes to avoid. For best results, we recommend that you not say or do the following at your next networking eventThese phrases are like nails on a chalkboard. Asking for something immediately (especially something big) is incredibly off-putting. Networking is all about turning cold leads into warm leads . Wait until youve established a relationship with someone before putting out these feelersSo rude. Basically, youre telling the human youre speaking with that theyre merely a stepping stone to the person you really want to talk to. Build the relationship first. Down the road, asking for introductions will become appropriate.People hate this question. Its vague, one-sided, and needy. Start investing in the relationship and being of service before you ask for anything. Being a giver, not a taker, will encourage others to give too. If you ask to meet up for coffee, be specific about what youd like to discuss, and triple bonus points if you can make it of benefit to the other personYour explanation of what you do should be around thirty seconds long. If you cant concisely say what you do, youre going to come off as boring or incompetent. Get to the point, so you can get on with networking. Bonus Points use your spiel to intrigue your audience so theyll ask you for moreDead-end Question How long have you lived here? Conversation Starter What b rought you out here?Dead-end Answer Im a writer. Conversation Starter Im a writer I love working with creatives on defining their brand.Know your audience Never show up at an event without knowing what type of people will be there and what conversation topics will be well received.Youre networking you should give people something (card or otherwise) to stay in touch. Pro tip stash your cards in an easily-accessible spot so they wont take you forever to fish out.If youre having superficial, two-minute conversations with people, they wont remember you when you contact them later. Focus on having a real conversation and creating a connection before you ask someone for their card.Great strategy for bridge trolls, bad strategy for networking events. Quit lurking and be proactive Walk up to a group and introduce yourself. Talk with thirsty networkers in the bar line. Befriend the introvert in the corner who didnt read this article.Is there anything more annoying? You should not be settin g up sales calls or hawking your wares at a networking event. Youre here to make connections, not get put on someones blacklist.If someone describes their product or business and you think its nuts- keep that opinion to yourself. Instead of giving negative feedback, try asking more questions. Youre here to make friends, not be a jerk.Free drinks can be nice at a networking event, but nobody wants to chat with somebody who indulges too much. Drink much less than you would at a party to truly set yourself up for making a lasting connection.Unprofessional dress is an invitation for people to write you off. Boost your confidence by looking professional and put together.This article was originally published on Grammarly . It is reprinted with permission.