I feel compelled to tell you a story about a recent networking experience I had. I want you to know about this so you don’t make the same mistakes the Networking Nincompoop made.
I was at a networking event and I sat next to someone I don’t know. The whole point is to meet people you don’t know, right? He spoke up right away and introduced himself and asked for my name. I thought, “Wow, nice person and good networking mojo”.
Then, it all went downhill, quickly. He then asked me what kind of business I was in and immediately after I answered the question, he launched into telling me all about his business. He did not ask me another single question about me or my business. He turned out to be a Networking Nimcompoop (NN).
Here are several other mistakes NN made:
*Gave me a business card without me asking for one
*Gave me a brochure without me asking for one
*Explained everything that was on said brochure, in detail, without pausing to take a breath
*Explained repeatedly why his service was far superior to his competition and started this tirade by saying, “I don’t mean to brag…”
*When addressing other participants, always found a way to take the conversation back to his service.
*Immediately after the event, sent me spam email (I did not ask for it so it is SPAM!) outlining all of his services and upcoming events
Please, please, please do not make these mistakes when networking! Be human and be interested in other people. Here are some do’s for networking:
*Be genuinely interested in the other person
*Go in with a desire to help
*Give your business card when ASKED for it
*Ask permission to send someone your newsletter or latest event info.
*Know that not everyone there will be your customer. They may, however, turn out to be a great referral source, resource, business partner or friend.
*Follow up only when you have a legitimate reason to – no SPAM!
*When you make a connection and you do exchange business cards, don’t fail to follow up
Ok, I’ll step down from my soapbox now. If someone labels you as a Networking Nincompoop, don’t say you weren’t warned!
Share your networking horror stories or wins in the comments section.
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Maybe this post wasn’t such a great idea. Now nobody will want to sit next to me at networking events.
On the upside, maybe NN will read it and change his tactics.
Probably not.
Ugh. I think I dated this guy. He’s a dating nincompoop too. Love the video, by the way! Woot to your risking self!
I love these tips. I am going to SHARE then on my Facebook Page. I wish everyone could read this before every networking event.
I sat next to you last night – it was great to get to now you better
)
Desiree, that is absolutely hilarious!
I have met more than my share of these NetNiNos! One guy a few months ago at an event handed not only one or two cards, but three or four cards at a time to each person. Um. hello save a tree and build a relationship dude.
I took one and places the others on the table. By the end of the night it was evident that others thought and did the same things as Hobees was covered in the little business cards from this guy. Now if that is not a message then he will not succeed.
Thanks for writing this, well done!
That was “know” not “now: in my previous posting……
Great to get to know you better, Sonya! I’m glad we got to sit next to eachother at the Biznik event.
Hopefully, I’ll connect with you again at another event soon.
Great post, Vicki!
I think we have all run into these NN’s at many events. This behavior from anyone drives me crazy! I appreciate you sharing your tips in an easy-to-read manner. You so get the point across and hopefully this particular NN will read your post and learn from you!
Alison and Dawn,
I have not seen this person again at a networking event. I am hoping to run into the NN again and see if he’s changed his ways.
Maybe I can write a follow up blog post.
Great article Vicki! It’s so awkward to be trapped by someone who has no clue that they are annoying their audience. If you ever come across him again, please send us an update! I want to know if he ever clued in.
Thanks for the chuckles and oooh so right on networking tips. Lord knows i have experienced these same ridiculous scenarios and admittedly, in the very beginning of my networking era, i was likely a culprit of such antics. Definitely the old school way but things have changed much and i am sure paying lots more attention to not making it about me.
It is so easy to make it about ourselves, especially if we are in need of customers. What I have learned is that I attract more customers when I make it about them and how I can help them. I think this is not necessarily intuitive and it shows!
As a long time networker who made a few gaffes in my first year, I must say I never came up to the absurd level of nincompoopedness that this guy did. Thank goodness! When I first started I thought it was all about getting business and didn’t understand the process. Thankfully, BNI saved my bacon by teaching me how to be another persons sales force. I am bragging; I’m currently at the top for referrals leading to closed business in my BNI group. It took a bit of time and hard work, but I actually get a high out of giving others referrals that are great, where the referral is primed and ready for the contact. I love it!
And, the strength training side of my business was the recipient of over 40K in business in 2009 from BNI.
Thanks for the comment, Taru. I have definitely made my share of errors as I learned how to network properly.
The key is to learn from the best and from your mistakes! Some people, however, never learn.
Oh my goodness Vickie. After commenting on your other post about a networking nincompoop experience I read this one that you posted – we must have met the same person!
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