09.08.08
Meet, greet and do business
London, UK
Earlier this evening I was invited along to a special meeting arranged by networking guru, Will Kintish. Will is looking to expand his operations and this evening’s gathering was an interesting twist on the important theme of networking, or rather how not to network.
Luckily for me, I can enter into a room of strangers without any qualms, make connections and do business. You may think that as a presenter and radio broadcaster, it should be like water off a ducks back for me, well it is, but one mustn’t be complacent, or inappropriate. After all, you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Readers of my other presenter blog, Corporate Presenter, may remember this article from July last year:
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
3 ways to ruin your chances at Business Networking
Earlier today, I attended a networking meeting in Central London, run by a well known organisation. There were around 100 or so people there from a variety of businesses. Many were interesting and good listeners, some less so but there were three individuals who really ought to learn the fundamentals of networking. Here’s those 3 “no noes” for starters:
TIP 1. Do not barge in on a “closed two”.
Scene: I was in conversation with an executive of a well known company. All of a sudden from my left and overweight gentleman with an absurd tie said “hello” and started to ask a question of the executive. No rapport building or politeness. He even had the temerity to ask me to hold his glass of red wine. I put it on the nearest table, made an excuse and left the poor executive to handle “Mr Buffoon”.
TIP 2. Never peer at name badges.
Scene: Two women and I were discussing business opportunities when we were approached by “Mr Nerd”. He leant towards us three, peered at our name badges, then scuttled away after rambling on for a minute or so about the services he offered. Needless to say, my two new friends and I were most unimpressed. The title on his business card said “Head of Sales”.
TIP 3. Remain sober and listen.
Scene: The three of us were joined by a fourth and things were going along really well until “Mr Large” turned up. Perhaps I should call him Mr Me, because that’s all he was interested in - himself. Also, he was clearly drunk, rude and bellicose.
All three of these people, in my opinion, behaved in a socially inadequate manner. The Golden Rule of networking is to exhibit unconditional giving.
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So for those of you who aren’t quite certain what a “closed three” is and would like to learn more about getting new business from those daunting networking meetings then give Will a call.
jailhouselawyer said,
September 10, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Why wear a name badge if it is not meant to be read?
This afternoon I checked the name badge of the Tesco employee I was arguing with over the definition of “display until”.
Jeremy Jacobs said,
September 10, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I’m not against people wearing them at all. What I dislike are people who gawp at them and say inappropriate things.
Why were you arguing with a Tesco’s employee?
jailhouselawyer said,
September 10, 2008 at 11:16 pm
I don’t know about gawp, but I know from personal experience that those with Aspergers Syndrome are said to say inappropriate things.
jailhouselawyer said,
September 10, 2008 at 11:26 pm
P.S.
“Why were you arguing with a Tesco’s employee? “.
Perhaps arguing is too strong a phrase, although the security guard was on hand. More a loud discussion on what is the definition of “display until”. My logic states that until means up to. Example, the label “display until 10 Sept 2008″ means up to midnight on the 9 Sept 2008. The store manager’s position, according to Tesco guidelines, is until means midnight on 10 Sept 2008. I say that is until 11 Sept 2008.
Semantics? Esoteric?
I blogged it and included a related link where Lidl is kicking Tesco where it hurts.