It’s 4:30pm, and all you can think about is what you’ve got to do after work. Groceries, dry cleaner’s, mom’s birthday gift - it’s all swimming around in your head. Just when you’re beginning to pack up, a colleague of yours throws out a quick invite to a pretty big networking event going on after work. All the industry’s top dogs will be there, and you know the importance of staying relevant in your industry, but you’ve got errands to run. What do you do?
Even if you already have a great job, networking is a perfect way to stay connected, engaged, and current in your industry. Networking leads to lasting relationships that can then perpetuate future career growth and new opportunities. Not everyone likes networking - or even has the time to do so - but hopefully this list will give you an idea of what NOT to do when you’re planning to attend a networking event.
1. Arriving late
It’s generally better to show up a little early to networking events to give yourself time to get comfortable with the environment. When someone arrives late to an networking event, opportunities to meet key individuals, engage in important conversations, or organize your thoughts prior to speaking with top players in the industry are lost. Tardiness can also give others the impression that you’re not as concerned about punctuality, which can be perceived as negative if you’re looking for career opportunities. A good rule of thumb is to show up 5-10 minutes before the event, just to make sure you’re not frazzled when you get there.
2. Wearing Inappropriate Attire
Wearing flip-flops to a formal event may succeed in getting you noticed, but probably not in the way you would have hoped. If it’s a business casual event, it’s best to stick with solid colors, dark or neutral, to avoid drawing too much attention to yourself when you first walk into the room. Men - nice dress slacks, a tucked-in, button-down dress shirt, dark mid-length socks, and an optional tie will suffice. Women - a blazer, nice blouse, and a knee-length skirt will be just fine for occasions such as these. There’s no need to over accessorize, remember, you can never go wrong with leaning towards the conservative side.
3. Forgetting Your Business Card or Résumé
Showing up to a networking event without something by which others could remember you afterwards isn’t the best strategy. Even in the age of technology, brining along a business card or Résumé to a networking event is still a wise idea - especially if you’re in a career transition phase of your life. Having something for others to remember you by at a networking event is important because odds are the VIP you were talking to has been talking to other people all evening. Having a business card will help them remember you long after the conversations have ended.
4. Showing Up Unprepared
Showing up to a networking or company-sponsored event without first doing your research is not the best idea, especially when it involves your career search. Who are the guest speakers? What organizations do they represent? Are they key players in your field? These are examples of some questions your should ask before you jump into the snake pit. Remember to do your homework so that when the time comes to introduce yourself, you can do so with confidence and professionalism.
5. Bad-mouthing Your Company
This almost goes without saying, but we’re going to reiterate it anyway. Trash-talking the company you work for is a bad idea. Colleagues, peers, and even potential employers simply don’t want to hear your sob story about how your current company doesn’t do it for you anymore. Nothing screams “I’m hard to please” like bad-mouthing your current employer, so leave the complaining at home - regardless of how bad your situation is or how much you want to get out of it. The best thing to do is remain positive, optimistic, and open to new opportunities should they arise during the event.
6. Showing Desperation
A skilled networker is a person who is genuinely interested in getting to know others, regardless of their personal career endeavors. People can tell when you have an “I-want-a-job” sticker slapped on your forehead. It is important to be yourself so that you can form genuine relationships with potential contacts. Keep the conversation light, smile, engage in eye contact, listen, and you will be likable. Who knows, you might discover your next opportunity in the middle of a great conversation that isn’t about your need for a new job.
7. Neglecting to Follow-Up
Meeting someone at a networking event sets the foundation for a professional relationship. The initial meeting gets your foot in the door, but the follow-up can propel you into a world of opportunity you never knew existed. The best is to try and reach out within 48 hours of the networking event so that you are still fresh in that person’s mind, also proving your interest in them and what they do.
So there you have it. You have officially been warned to stay away from the 7 deadly sins of networking. With this new perspective, you can go to your next networking event (maybe even the one tonight!) prepared and ready to engage with others in your field. Get out there, get connected, and find a job in eye care!
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