Every day, in every part of this world, there is a gathering of professionals somewhere. Whether it’s industry specific, a conference or a networking group, it is customary and commonplace for groups of professionals to gather in social environments to commiserate, exchange ideas, find common ground, and (most importantly) to sell.
And let’s define that last bit: to sell. Selling isn’t limited exclusively to goods and services. The selling that happens at these gatherings extends to the companies, individual departments, the organizational culture and even to the individuals themselves.
In short, these gatherings have the potential to make or break someone. Yet, time and time again, I witness remarkable acts of poor self-management. I watch as professionals – many of whom have spent tens of thousands on their credentials, wardrobes and business collateral – completely lose sight of the importance of how they are showing up.
As timing would have it, I recently experienced an example of poor real time social networking which was, for me, the proverbial last straw. Right then and there, surrounded by suits, ties, cocktail wieners and white wine in plastic cups, I decided that it was my professional obligation to compose the following:
The Seven Deadly Sins of Real Time Social Networking
|
The Sinful Act |
The Alternative |
| Scanning the room over someone’s shoulder during a conversation. | Be present. Make eye contact. Ask questions and get curious. People won’t avoid you next time. |
| Arriving hungry. | Have a snack in route so you can prioritize people over pigs-in-a-blanket. |
| Hitting the bar repeatedly. | Know your tolerances, respect them. Have that martini after and not during. Loose lips sink ships. |
| Obsessively collecting/distributing business cards. | Think quality over quantity and meaningful connections. Best piece of advice I ever got: ‘Only give your card to people who ask for it.’ |
| Monopolizing someone’s time. | Set a goal of meeting 3 to 5 new people per event; be aware of their body language. Is conversation dwindling, getting off topic, or are people looking to speak with your new friend? Set. Them. Free. |
| Being part of a clique. | This isn’t high school. Separate from the pack, be inclusive and make introductions. |
| Making inappropriate jokes; flirting; ogling; swearing. | Does this really need to be explained? Keep it professional and remember your reputation is at stake. |
Humor aside, the above isn’t a list limited only to events. It’s a list applicable to life. By being aware and valuing how we ‘show up’ to others, we elevate ourselves in ways that transcend financial and professional success. We become our best self, thus securing a reputation that is nothing shy of exemplary.