You’re about to attend a business networking event. What are some common mistakes you should avoid?

To make the most of a business networking event, avoid common mistakes such as lacking a clear objective, not listening actively, failing to prepare an elevator pitch, neglecting to follow up, focusing only on what you can take rather than give, joining only large groups, using hard sell tactics, forgetting business cards, ignoring the dress code, being glued to your phone, and not researching the event beforehand. Focusing on building meaningful connections, showing genuine interest in others, and being well-prepared can significantly enhance your networking experience.

If the event registration details are available to attendees then analyze the RSVPs to see who all look interesting. Try to find them on LinkedIn and study their profiles. Do you have contacts who you might want to introduce to anyone? Are there mutual connections? If you can then reach out to these people and ask whether they are going to make it. You would be interested in meeting them because .. (a) there are mutual connections, (b) you have a question on something in their profile or something they posted, and (c) you would like to find out who they are interested in meeting for coffee, and there is someone who you believe they might be interested in doing business with.

It is easy to get distracted by someone coming into the room or passing behind the person you are speaking with. If that happens, acknowledge it with a smile.

As you gear up for a business networking event, steer clear of common blunders to make the most of your connections. Avoid dominating conversations and instead, strive for balanced dialogue by listening actively. Don't neglect to research attendees and the event agenda beforehand; preparation is key. Resist the urge to solely focus on selling your product or service—build genuine relationships first. Avoid clinging to familiar faces; venture out and mingle with diverse attendees. Lastly, don't forget to follow up promptly post-event to solidify connections.

"You never know who you will meet." I hear that reason often. And maybe it is true. But we don't go to a, say, train station and hand out business cards to every one passing through. So, whether we are conscious of it of not we do mix in additional intent. I suggest a couple of approaches - follow your supply chain and look for similar businesses. All businesses buy and sell from others. The more connections you have in your supply chain the more follow up business discussions may be expected. Similar businesses sell / speak to the same audience and offer complementary services & products. These are great partners in your go to market strategy. It also helps in categorizing your existing contacts and then reaching out to their contacts.

Authenticity is an attitude. Aptitude may be trained but attitude is inherent. If you are cynical about the goals of networking in general or an event specifically, then you might want to work on the "Why" you are in business. Identify stories that align with your Why. (Read up books by Kindra Hall) If you don't pretend to be something you are not then you are bound to be "authentic." :-)

Jay Baer & Daniel Lemin talk about generosity being one of the types of factors around which you can build a talk trigger. I don't think anyone expects us to give away products or services for free all the time, but one can be generous with one's time or the Rolodex. If one needs a checklist to work on their generosity gene then maybe they can try the "Go Giver" by Bob Burg & John David Mann.

A good tactic would be preparing your elevator pitch beforehand. Think of stories that will show you're better than your competition, evoke curiosity, and create the feeling that you know how to solve problems, save money, etc. It might be the same text you already use on your leaflets or other marketing materials, but it would be even better if you have something unique and up-to-date. Such a presentation should be short and to the point. Focus on two or three pieces of information. It might seem obvious, but preparing these forty, maybe fifty seconds of unforgettable stories is not easy and usually requires creativity, effort, and a lot of practice before going public.