Going to a meet-up can be a very fun and rewarding experience. You can engage in conversation with people you know or make new connections with others in your field or who are just interesting to talk with because they have taken ownership of their future.
This came into my Linkedin e-mail box after a large meet up here in D.C. It's an article featuring solid advice on networking that came about 18 hours too late for some people.
My most recent meet-up was great overall, and I always enjoy getting to know new people too. But that night also included:
- A few who seem to have gotten their drink on too early that day.
- Two people who don't seem to recognize when they are interrupting.
- Too many attendees only talking to people in their group.
- The gainfully employed complaining a lot about their jobs.
As a coach, I recognize that I address a lot about what's wrong and little about what's good. I'm okay with that because for the people I coach, I expect them to be open and honest, and complaining about work is who we are as people. But, that complaining should include some strategizing about how to make your work and workplace better for you and everyone else too. I did some of that at the meet-up and it ended with promises to follow up in a couple of weeks.
So please, don't go to a networking event and spend the evening bitching about work, drinking too much and losing control. Don't go to a meet-up and corner people or dominate conversations. Don't attend with a lack of self-awareness about how you are to others. And, don't go to a meet-up just to sell your product as we are not your (willing) customers.
If you don't do those things you will have had a successful evening judging by follow up conversations you will have...later.
*Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog
