Four People to Avoid at Networking Events
Guest Blog by Gina Ventola
As a business person, networking can be a vital role in a company’s success. Since the adage states, “networking is one letter away from not working,” the key is to do it effectively. Networking effectively means creating relationships that lead to referrals. This requires investing in the other person. Meet some business people who have good intentions but miss the mark.
1. Ollie One-Sided
Ollie is excited about his business and loves to talk about it. He discusses his company, his latest deal and his ideal client. The only problem is that is all Ollie talks about. Ollie would be more successful at networking by asking the other person questions about them thus building a relationship.
2. Sally Seller
Sally loves to close deals and is one of her company’s top salespeople. The problem is that she is not in front of a potential client, she is at a networking event. Sally would be far more successful at networking by putting the sales script away and focusing on the other person, who may be her next referral source.
3. Jenny Jargon
She loves to discuss the latest deal she just closed. However, she uses jargon that only someone in her industry would understand leaving the other person confused and frustrated. If Jenny utilized the “BLUF” method (Bottom Line Up Front), she could shorten her story, reduce industry jargon and spend more time asking the other person about their business.
4. Barry Businesscard
Barry loves to hand out his business cards. The problem is that he hands them out much like a Las Vegas blackjack dealer and when he gets their business card, they will immediately be added to his newsletter mailing list, without getting permission. Jan-Lütje Thoden, networking expert and host of the German podcast, “Businessfreunde” (Business Friend), suggests that someone like Barry should only give out his card if asked. This would make Barry more credible in the eyes of the other person.
The reality is that we have all been one of these people, at least once. Remember, these events are more to find your heroes to promote you than to sell. If you encounter some of these people, take the time to help them become better networkers. By keeping the focus on relationship building, networking can lead to referrals and increase your bottom line.
Author Bio: Gina Ventola is Practice Manager for Ventola Mediation. She has worked in the legal industry for over 25 years as a paralegal, Word Processing Supervisor, Office Administrator, LAN Administration, and Technical Supervisor. When not attending networking events, she enjoys spending time with her favorite attorney and husband, Sam, and their family. She is also very active as a volunteer in the community. Ventola Mediation builds its business on referrals from trusted advisors, and also they enjoy referring others. If you would like an introduction to a referral partner in Gina’s network, please feel free to contact her at: [email protected].
