Thoughts On Networking

The other day I attended a networking event and had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people. The event included a speaker, who was fabulous - very informative and enthusiastic. I paid to attend the event and walked away with more than I thought I would, which is what we want, right?

During the event I noticed how many people that attended were distracted and not giving the speaker the respect he deserved. They chatted with friends and colleagues, checked their email on their phone and texted during the entire event. I wondered what they "took with them" and if they got what they paid for.

As someone who hosts and leads a networking group, here are a few tips I thought necessary to share - more like networking etiquette - in order to give the speaker, host or leader the respect they deserve for chairing the event, as well as those in the room who came to network and learn. Knowing I have done a few of these myself, my commitment is to make each event count for as many people as I can by practicing these five tips.

1. Turn your phone off! If you can't turn it off, at least turn it on silent. I do understand that there are some positions that need 24-hour-a-day availability, like on call physicians, police officers, and fire fighters, to name a few.
2. No texting or emailing! The speaker has committed to sharing his/her knowledge and expertise and deserves your attention. Remember, one day that may be you on the stage.
3. Save the chatter and chit chat for breaks and during specific network times! There are numerous ways to connect with friends and colleagues any other time. Make yourself a note for follow up meetings, emails or phone calls.
4. 30 second introductions mean 30 seconds! Everyone in the room deserves the same respect as the speaker. Don't make it your platform - the leader of the group or event has invited you to "network" not run an infomercial. As a leader, I know I really don't like to play mom and have to set the timer and cut people off mid sentence. If you need help with your intro, I'd be happy to assist.
5. Remember - there are hundreds and thousands of different opportunities out there. Yours is the best FOR YOU! Drop the superiority complex, keeping in mind that what works for you may not work for everyone. We are all here to assist, not insist!

Some of this may sound harsh or less than blissful. It's meant to. These are practices that make it a little more joyful for everyone. All five tips are based upon my own observations as a group leader, speaker and someone who attends networking events, as well as someone like you who has small businesses and practices many different healing modalities. My businesses and practices work for me, they may not work for everyone.

Just like on the road, I'm turning my phone off and paying attention to what lies ahead. I hope you'll join me - life is too short to miss anything!