Networking Pitfalls And Mistakes

Published by Mike Michalowicz (Google+)

How To Become An Entrepreneur

Compiled by Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

Category: Getting Clients, Marketing Like Mad, Skill Toolbox
Tags: , , , , .
  • http://www.corporateclassinc.com Diane Craig

    Your business card is not a flier!

    At a networking function, one person gave me her business card, not one, twice, but three times over a period of 90 minutes. Another guy was in the elevator with me after attending a networking event, and from flloor 47 down to the lobby, I heard all about commercial furnaces. Of course he had already given me his card. Not once did he ask what I did, or if I had any need for a commercial furnace. This was indeed a meeting for people in the construction industry, and he assumed I was also in the construction business. Had he ask for my business card first, he would have realized I was an image and etiquette consultant, and the likeness of me being in the market to purchase one, well, was non-existent!

    • Mike Michalowicz

      Diane – You are SOOOO right. I can’t stand the business card pusher. It drives me nuts.

  • http://www.cpasitesolutions.com Jim Tourville

    Great comments about signal vs. noise. I agree with Erin Cheyne it’s important to be selective. I also like Greg Jenkins point about listening, it’s important to process what the other person is saying without focusing too much on yourself!

    • Mike Michalowicz

      Thanks for pointing that out Jim.

      • http://www.cpasitesolutions.com Jim Tourville

        Thanks Mike. Love the format you use for your blog. Even though we’re not a start up we just ordered your book, the table of contents and sample on Amazon looks great.

        • Mike Michalowicz

          Jim – You are the man! Thanks for picking up the book. I suspect you will find some new things in there, that even an establish business can use to grow! Tell me how you like (or don’t like) the book.

  • http://lifechapters.net Marty

    I went to one of those hotel networking breakfasts once. I was expecting to make conversations with people, but It was early in the morning and everyone seems lost in their own thoughts, plus the presentation was about as dry as it comes. No passion, no energy, nice breakfast and £10 wasted. Maybe I just got a poor one!

    • Mike Michalowicz

      A sucky presenter can kill an event. Well hopefully the food was worth it.

  • http://www.oaktreenetworking.co.uk Jules Thomas

    A great collection of brilliant tips, thank you all for contributing. We have posted the link on our Networking ‘group’ on Linked in, I am sure it will be a valuable tool for the wide range of networking experiences in our group. It never hurts to be reminded of the pertinent points.

    All the best

    Jules Thomas

    • Mike Michalowicz

      Thanks Jules!

  • http://www.speakeasygroups.com Andrew Thorp

    Some terrific tips here, thanks folks!
    I know Rob Brown and I agree with his theme on preparing something to say. So many people think that by simply ‘being there’ and spreading around a dull ‘vanilla’ pitch they’ll do more business. I encourage people to develop a strong pitch that comes across as compelling and leaves the listener in no doubt as to who you are, what you do and why you’re motivated to do it. And having some concise anecdotes or ‘stories of transformation’ add depth and credibility to your case. And the more memorable and concise those stories, the more they’ll get passed on by others – “Oh, he’s the guy who did that amazing thing in the…”

    People like to meet people who have a passion for their business BUT it’s so important that you don’t let that enthusiasm carry you away so you completely dominate the conversation. Give others enough conversational airtime and take plenty of interest in them.

    Again, great tips and thanks to all.

    • Mike Michalowicz

      Thanks for sharing that Andrew.