👋 Hey all, it’s your favorite blogger again 😎. Networking events are great places to meet new people, make meaningful connections, and share your business ideas with like-minded individuals. Regardless of the type of event - be it a job fair👨‍💼, business conference👩‍💼, or product expo🛍️, it’s important that you make the right impression. Unfortunately, networking events can be a hit or miss, and there are certain common mistakes that people make that can hurt their chances of success. In this article, I’ll be walking you through some of the most common networking event mistakes to avoid, and how you can steer clear of them. Let’s get started!

Mistake 1: Arriving Late 🕰️

First impressions matter a lot, and arriving late to an event will definitely leave a bad one. Arriving late makes you come across as unprepared, unreliable and generally unprofessional 😔. It also means that you might have missed out on some important introductions and conversations that might have made a difference. Make sure to arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes early to give yourself enough time to settle in and get familiar with the environment.

A person running late to a networking event

Mistake 2: Not Preparing Enough 👀

Networking events are not something you can just walk into and wing it. It’s important that you know what you’re there for, and what you want to achieve. Not having a plan or goals in mind can make you appear lost and unprepared. Before going to any networking event, it’s important to do your research and find out everything you can about the event and the people that will be attending. Having a clear idea of your goals, what you want to achieve, and who you want to meet will make it easier for you to navigate the event, and make the most out of your time.

A person with a blank stare on their face as they attend a networking event

Mistake 3: Talking Too Much and Not Listening Enough 🗣️

The art of networking involves striking a balance between talking and listening. Too much of either can hinder your chances of making meaningful connections with the people you meet. Talking too much about yourself or your business without giving others the opportunity to share their own views and ideas can come off as self-centered and inconsiderate. Listening intently to the people you meet, and giving them the opportunity to talk about themselves will show that you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say.

A person covering their own ears while talking loudly at a networking event

Mistake 4: Not Following Up 📧

Following up with the people you meet at a networking event is just as important as the event itself. Not following up with the people you meet can come off as rude and inconsiderate, and can hurt your chances of making any meaningful connections. It’s important to send an email or a message to the people that you’ve met, thanking them for the conversation and the opportunity to connect. Following up can also help to deepen your relationship with the people you’ve met, and can open up opportunities for future collaborations.

A person typing on their laptop while drinking coffee

Mistake 5: Not Making Eye Contact 👀

Eye contact is one of the most important nonverbal cues that can make or break the impression you make on people at a networking event. Not making eye contact can come across as uninterested, disengaged, and even untrustworthy. Making eye contact, on the other hand, shows that you’re attentive, interested, and confident. Making eye contact can also show that you’re genuine and trustworthy, and can help you to build stronger connections with the people you meet at the event.

A person making direct eye contact with someone else at a networking event

In conclusion, avoiding these common networking mistakes can help you make a great impression and achieve your goals at any networking event you attend. Remember to arrive early, prepare thoroughly, listen as much as you speak, follow up after the event, and make eye contact during conversations. Good luck and happy networking!

A group of people networking at a conference