Tip: Networking at a table: what are the five biggest mistakes?
Whether it is at a conference luncheon, a networking event where a meal is served, or an off-site meeting, here are some common things people do to miss opportunities to connect:
1. They take a seat at a table and just wait for the event to start instead of getting up and talking to people on the other side of their table, or at tables adjacent.
2. Before the event starts, they sit at the table and look at messages on their phone rather than engaging in conversation with their tablemates.
3. During the event they only speak to one person – either the person sitting on their left or their right.
4. They let someone sit in “the cone of silence” – where no one at the table makes an effort to bring that person into the conversation!
5. They get up to leave before the event is over and do not say goodbye to others at the table.
Sitting with people for an hour or so affords you the luxury of time to have real conversations. Use it to your advantage!
SHEPA LEARNING COMPANY WEEKLY POSITIVE NETWORKING® TIP
No. 1072, July 24, 2024
By Gayle Hallgren and Judy Thomson