Comments on: Avoid These 10 Networking Blunders

By: Samantha Hartley | Enlightened Marketing

Samantha Hartley | Enlightened Marketing — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:33:44 +0000

Hi MLDina – I know, right? Crazy that people are surprised that way. Run out? Fine. Didn’t bring any? Duh!

Love your planning suggestion. You’re right that there’s always more than you can do. Start with “where will I benefit most” and go from there.

By: MLDina

MLDina — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:47:38 +0000

Great advice! I just got back from AdTech, and I can’t tell you how many people didn’t have cards. Even if you don’t have them prior to attending the event and can’t afford the branding, a free template card is better than no card.

Another great tip- plan accordingly. There are so many great sessions, networking events, and exhibiting companies, there’s no way to fit it all in. Sometimes you miss the best opportunities by not planning in advance, and communicating with other attendees.

By: Samantha Hartley

Samantha Hartley — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:59:03 +0000

@Brochure Printing, @On the Money – Thank you for your comments and I hope the tips pay off in your networking!

By: On the Money

On the Money — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:16:36 +0000

Thanks for this enlightened post. 2,4,7 and 9 interested me particularly as I have only recently started attending network events on a more regular basis. Nice one!

By: Avoid These 10 Networking Blunders | Enlightened Marketing Blog « Wisewolf Talking - resources for those managing or going through change!

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 05:42:19 +0000

[...] More at Avoid These 10 Networking Blunders | Enlightened Marketing Blog. [...]

By: Brochure Printing

Brochure Printing — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 05:27:27 +0000

Thanks for the tips. Thanks for sharing them. I learned a lot from this post.

By: Samantha Hartley

Samantha Hartley — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 04:09:19 +0000

Hi Andrew,

Love the Lego Gravatar! Good tip about the pockets, although tough for us women who don’t always have them. Either way a system is the way to go.

Also like your suggestion about commenting on cards you’re given. Very nice. After having worked in the Far East I always take cards with two hands; I appreciate the intention to honor that is contained in it.

By: AndrewNim

AndrewNim — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 06:21:32 +0000

One thing I always do is keep my cards in one pocket, receive cards to s separate pocket. I have seen someone give over the card of a rival company before. Ouch. Have a system. Look at a card you are given, if its nice and works, comment. Its a good conversation point.

By: Samantha Hartley | Enlightened Marketing

Samantha Hartley | Enlightened Marketing — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:50:37 +0000

Great question, Terry!

In my experience a small group at networking events can be “closed” because (a) it’s actually a clique, (b) someone is doing serious business and (c) people are just plain unreceptive.

While personally I think all those are out of place at a networking event (or just about any other truly social situation) and by the way RUDE, it can help to remind ourselves they all happen. That way we don’t look rude ourselves barging in on what is actually a private activity happening in public.

Focus instead on groups that look receptive.

Motion will attract eyes to you, so nod or laugh along with something appropriate and then merge on in. As you saw in the post, I’m a big believer that a smile is a passport to almost anywhere, so with a nod and a smile you can’t go wrong!

Hope to see you back here, Terry. :-D

By: Thorne

Thorne — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:01:53 +0000

This is great advice! The list form of post really works well for this content! My list is 13 Ways to Celebrate Earth Month. I hope you'll stop in!