How to Behave at a Professional Networking Event

Keep in mind:

• Networking is a mutually beneficial interaction
• Remember that mindset matters, remain positive
• A network is a relationship

Do:

• Be prepared, bring resumes, business cards, pen, and paper 
• Research the attendees and speakers beforehand
• Set goals and create a schedule for presentations and panels
• Anticipate rejection

Source 1  Source 2

• Be genuine and be yourself
• Be respectful and courteous
• Be outgoing and sociable
• Smile and be approachable, make eye contact and have open body language
• Be present, show interest in who you are talking to
• Dress well
• Eat and drink moderately
• Build trust with potential contacts before asking for favors
• Be concise and direct when asking for favors
• End conversations on a genuine and positive note, "it was great talking to you"
• Ask for and give business cards
• Send out emails to new contacts within a few days after

Do Not:

• Say yes to everything, it is okay to say no
• Do all the talking
• Interrupt
• Discuss religion or politics
• Act like a know it all
• Expect favors to be recriprocated  immediately
• Be on your phone instead of present with people
• Drink too much or be sloppy

By: Laura Miller