Dos, Don’ts of Effective Speed Networking
CHICAGO – Here are some critical dos and don’ts you should observe to be an effective speed networker.

Do:

1. Do Fill Out Your Profile During the Pre-Registration Period
   Filling out your profile during the pre-registration period (usually several days before the event) helps to ensure the best-possible matches. Make sure you select the industries of people you most want to meet and those that you don’t.

   
   

2. Do Bring Business Cards
   While it is elementary, many people often forget. If you don’t have business cards, you should make sure you visit a Staples, Office Depot or Kinko’s to have cards printed. Even if you are in career transition, it makes good sense to have a business card with your contact information.

   
   

3. Do Explain Your Objective in Under 30 Seconds
   This is critical. You should be able to explain what you do in under 30 seconds. People can often lose interest if you drag on explaining what you do. Make sure you tighten up your statement and let them ask questions to learn more.

   
   

4. Do Listen
   Though you may not have a need for someone’s product or services or you don’t find there is a beneficial reason to meet beyond your short meeting, it is imperative for you to listen. That individual might trigger an interesting point you haven’t thought of or a connection you might not have considered.

   
   In addition, if they give you the courtesy to listen to your objectives, you should do the same.

   
   

5. Do Rotate When You Are Informed to Do So
   Not rotating on time can back up the event and frustrate other participants. If you are having a great conversation with your partner, you can continue your conversation at the end of the event or schedule a time outside the event to further discuss your common interest.

   
   

6. Do Offer to Assist Your Partner
   Sometimes assisting others does more good than you would expect. When you assist someone, they are much more likely to consider you and your offerings and mention you to others.

Don’t:

1. Don’t Bring Big Marketing Packets
   People are meeting many others and collecting information throughout the night. People are often turned off when individuals are presented with big information packets they did not request. Instead, create a one-page flyer or brochure that best explains your services with your contact information.

   
   

2. Don’t Pass Out Unsolicited Resumes
   Unless the event is specific to a career event, don’t assume that everyone wants a copy of your resume. During the course of your conversation, politely ask if they are willing to take your resume and pass along your information to anyone in their network that might be interested.

   
   

3. Don’t Talk the Entire Time
   While this may turn people off, this could also make you miss out on learning about something that is of interest to you.

   
   

4. Don’t Assume
   Don’t assume that everyone wants your services or products and don’t take it personal if they don’t have a need. It would be wise to ask your partner if they are aware of people in their network who might benefit from your product or services and if they can pass your information along.

   
   

5. Don’t Skip a Round
   Don’t skip a round because someone’s profile didn’t meet your specific requirements. You never know who someone knows. They key is to uncover if they know an individual within their network who might benefit from your services.

By MICHAEL SLATER
SpeedNetworking.com