Dispelling the Top Five Myths About Attending Networking Events - Part II

In my last post, Dispelling the Top Five Myths About Attending Networking Events - Part I, I shared with you the first 2 networking myths: 1) Networking Should Only Happen When Job Searching and 2) Events are About People Trying to Sell You Something

Here are the last 3:

3) Networking Events Are All the Same

It may appear that all networking events are the same because the basic premise is that people gather in a room to talk to one other. In fact, these people may have the same goals each time they attend an event.

However, many events exist (such as professional development, structured networking, social and charitable). In addition, events exist that focus on industries, demographics and like-minded individuals.

Because each event has a different mission or agenda, you have a chance to meet all kinds of people. In addition to being able to meet people, you will also have the opportunity to learn from the programs at some of these events.

Keep an open mind. You can take away a different idea or new contact from each event that you attend. Try a variety of events to find the ones you like the best.

4) Networking is Only For Outgoing People

It is a common misconception that you must have a certain personality to network with others. While talking with others may be easier for outgoing individuals, you don’t need this personality trait to effectively network.

While networking, you will meet both introverted and extroverted people. All it takes is a good conversation and the willingness to participate to start building relationships.

If you aren’t comfortable starting a conversation, you can wait until someone approaches you or you can attend a structured networking event where you will be given the chance to talk to people with ease.

People who attend events want to talk with others. Don’t feel shy about approaching them. While you may be taken out of your comfort zone at an event, it never hurts to brush up on your people skills.

5) Networking Takes Too Much Time

With anything in life, you get out what you put in. The same is true for networking. You can spend as little or as much time as you want with it and still see positive results.

Have a networking goal in mind and strategically focus your time and effort so you can reach your objective. Decide on the types of people you want to meet and then research to find the right events.

Some people attend a couple of events a week while others only attend a couple events a month. Figure out what works best for you and integrate networking into your business routine.

No matter how much you network, you still need to build quality relationships with the people you meet. Though this will take some time, it’s well worth the effort.

Comments

[Manny]

Jason
I am loving the site and hope to return often. I write a blog about success books (and other media) and look forward to posting about your networking insight!

[Jason Jacobsohn]

Thanks Manny for your nice comments. I like the niche focus of your blog.