Justin G. Roy

I cannot remember where or when I came across this article, but it was saved in my favorites and I was quite surprised I did not share it.  The posting is from Get Organized Wizard blog and is on the top 5 mistakes people make while networking; all of them can lead to missed opportunities.

• Having too few business cards.
• Being all about the food and drink
• Keeping business cards in a bag or jacket
• Talking ad nauseam about themselves
• Bogarting the talent

Click here to read the full article.

Being an avid networker, I’ve found there are additional habits you should be self-aware of if you are in the design and building industry.  Here are three tips on what NOT to do at a networking event if you are an architect or engineer (note: these are based on true events)

• Don’t doodle a drawing on napkins or hand-out materials.  At first, I thought there was something wrong with myself, or the conversation we were having until a few other people made comments later in the event in regards to this person habitually drawing while networking.
• Don’t talk about how much wastewater your design is going to handle while eating dinner, appetizers, or anything.  Period.  I understand getting excited about work and wanting to talk about it, just ask the family, but there are some times where you might want to talk about a different engineering design.
• Don’t treat the event as a speed-dating opportunity.  Walking around and only introducing yourself to the opporsite gender and suggesting an after hours coffee or cocktail meeting to continue your 10 second conversation only creates rumors.