Networking at Networking Events

[susan silva]

When you attend a networking event, do you make yourself approachable?  Do you make an effort to talk to others?  What do you do, when you go up to someone and they ... are not receptive to talking?  Have you been that way where you are at a networking event but really don't want to talk to people.

[jennika]

The last networking event I went to was by far the most frustrating I have ever been to.   People were in groups of 2 and 3 and stuck to those groups.  They gave off a vibe of we are busy, leave us alone.   It was a networking event where everyone I tried approach and say hi, see where they were from, just chat and where they gave me a cold shoulder for the most part.  I am approachable!  I looked neat and clean, didn't smell, didn't give evil eyes to everyone around!   Meeting and talking to new people IS what a networking event is for!  I am under the opinion, if you go to a networking event, you are there to meet people, chat about what you do, maybe general issues, who is hiring who, who knows who.  No you aren't there to make best friends, but not to stick to your two friends either!  Here is an example, I was at a table eating with my lunch plate.  I introduced myself, where I was from, they returned the favor then at the table "I" was before they arrived, they started talking about their own little worlds and personal issue and zoned me totally out.  It was down right rude!  Of course I moved to a new table, but at this one event no one was inviting.  There were some nice door prizes.  I think people went for those more than the networking event.

So yes I do make myself approachable!  I smile and go up to others, and when I am alone invite people to talk to me.  I make an effort.  When someone is not receptive, there isn't much you can do, you move on to someone who is.  I have never been to an event where "I" don't want to talk to anyone, that isn't the purpose of a networking event.

[gee4]

Unfortunately I don't get to attend networking events in my current role - not required.

When you work for a large global organisation as I do, it's usually sales and marketing who get this opportunity, along with those from business development.

[Tabby L]

OH yes, I have been to the networking events where groups show up and don't talk to others.  I agree why go?  The reason to go is to mingle and talk to others!  I have found EA groups have more women who stick together, but if you go to a small business networking group the people are much more open to talking and you get much more inviting environment to walk up to someone and introduce yourself.