Don’t Get held back

Waiting

Meet people all along the way. Make contacts and keep in touch. Talk with people and make connections. What are you looking for?
Define your goals.

You have to know what you are working towards. Write them down. Be specific. Are they doable?

Dressing Down

Though it’s great to look sharp there is a balance here. At networking
events if you look too dressed up people may not approach you. Look
nice but look approachable.

Forgetting Business Cards

This just makes it easier and looks good. Searching around for paper
and a pen is a little distracting. However if this is all you have
still get the information.

Being Unprepared

Thinking you know what you want is not the same as knowing it. What
people do you wish to meet? Are you seeking professional, customers,
partners, or anyone at all? These are approached in different ways.

Don’t Lie

If you name drop sooner or later it will be found out that you used a
name when the person did not give permission to do this. Might get you
in, and also might get people ticked.

Being Pompous

This is a killer. Probably no one will say anything but it might be a
deal breaker. People want to hear how you can help, not how much you
know and how great you are. That will become clear as you give a
helping hand. But the best course is to tell how great the client is
and how the next level can be obtained with your help.

Monopolizing
Someone’s Time

At a networking event, everyone wants to chat. But they want to chat
with a few people not just stay in one place. Just be conscious of
this. Not Having a

Conversation

Just talk with people. It doesn’t have to be about business. Let them
get to know you. It’s cool for people to see people. Also people like
to buy from people they have a connection with.

Being Passive

If someone says, “Sorry, we don’t have anything right now,” take a
minute or two to ask follow-up questions: “Well, what’s the outlook for
future possibilities? Do you know anyone else in the industry who might
need something? Any thoughts on what my next step should be?”
Persistence shows true interest on your part and may help the person
you’re networking with come up with ideas he might otherwise overlook.
But this should be done in a gentle manner.

Ignoring

Whether at a function or emailing not responding probably is one of the
worst statements. Not replying in any way makes people think that you
think you can’t be bothered. Everyone knows people are busy but about
the 3rd e-mail, call, or inquiry there should be some kind of reply
even if you can’t help them.

Not Helping Others

Truly help others. That means you are not looking to get something.
This seems to be a rare occurrence but if this occurred more with more
people doing this, more would succeed together. It really is true that
giving first is the way to go.