Are there different rules of etiquette for a networking event?
I think there are different rules of etiquette for a networking event. I think, for example, that you should stick to holding a drink in your left hand, so when you shake hands, your hands are not wet and sweaty from holding your drink; I think that's important. Professional networkers don't eat or drink at an event. If the networking event starts at 7, they'll get there at 7, they'll have something to eat, they'll have something to drink, and the rest of their time, they're there to work that room, not play. They don't stand with their friends, they look and speak to other people. They show interest in other people. Another etiquette rule to stick to at a networking event is to always wear your name tag on your right shoulder at networking events, because people reach across your torso and look directly into the name tag so they know who you are. I think that's important. Be curious about other people and don't try and sell yourself. On the other hand, its good to have a five second elevator pitch, and a ten second elevator pitch to use at networking events. The old adage of a 30 day elevator speech is far too long, as no-one wants to listen to anybody for 30 seconds. But a 5 second elevator pitch is enough. I'll say I'm an etiquette expert in American business, then I'll turn to them and ask what they do. Always turn the spotlight on other people, and self forget. If you can engage people, and create rapport, and still let them know what you do and who you are, you've had a good networking event. If you go home to a networking event, and all you've been doing is talking about yourself all night, no-one trusts you. No-one likes you, and no-one trusts you. Just remember that people want to talk about themselves, they don't want to hear talking about yourself.
