If you are an entrepreneur, at some point you will attend networking events. Some people find this to be a scary experience and you never knew how shy you could be until you are thrust into a room full of strangers. How do you break the ice? Just work up the nerve, walk up to a person, say “hi” and introduce yourself. But, who do you approach? First, look for someone who is not talking to anyone – that’s a good place to start.
Things to avoid while networking:
1. Never and I repeat NEVER, interject yourself into someone else’s conversation. It’s just plain rude! With that said, that’s exactly what happened to me last night when I was out networking. I was talking to someone and this lady came up in the middle of our conversation, stood between the two of us and started chatting on and on to the person I was speaking to; ignoring the fact that I was standing there. After she was finished, she decided to talk to me. Needless to say, I was not pleased, but I did not even bother to tell her how rude she was being.
2. Don’t over sell. Let me rephrase this, don’t sell at all. It is not a business expo; you are not trying to sell a product. What you’re trying to do is to make a contact – maybe a valuable one that can refer you business in the future. Last night, I was talking to a guy that was convinced that I should join his team and sell some type of energy drink. I told him I was not interested because I had my own business to run and I am generally busy with other things. However, he still insisted that I take his card and check out his website when I get a chance. If you try to sell to a person who is not interested, you will just annoy him or her and you can guarantee that person will never refer anyone to you.
3. Don’t ask a lawyer for free advice! This is the number one sin in my book. The last time I check, I still owe the student loan people for my education; don’t expect me to tell you the answer to your question. Besides, I only practice business formation and transactions, entertainment law and immigration (very specific area). I don't necessarily know other areas of law. However, some people assume that because I’m a lawyer, they can just start telling me their legal issue and I would just answer right there and then. I don’t think the Bar or my malpractice carrier would approve of such behavior. So, if you see me out networking, just know it is neither the time nor the place to seek legal advice. Please make an appointment and I will be happy to tell you what I charge.
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