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What should you not do at a networking event?

Author

Christopher Snyder

Updated on February 15, 2026

What should you not do at a networking event?

The next time you're at a networking event - whatever you do - make sure you don't get caught doing these 5 things:
  • Give a hard copy of your resume to everyone you meet.
  • Brag about how amazing your company is.
  • Ditch your conversation to speak to someone "more important"
  • Shake hands quickly and hand out business cards.

Moreover, what should you not do on a network?

What Not to Do: Avoid These 7 Common Networking Mistakes

  1. 1.) FEELING TOO AWKWARD TO NETWORK.
  2. 2.) STAYING SILENT IN CONVERSATION.
  3. 3.) STAYING IN AN UNCOMFORTABLE SITUATION.
  4. 4.) WASTING TIME WITH UNHELPFUL INFORMATION.
  5. 5.) ASKING FOR A JOB.
  6. 6.) Failing to follow up.
  7. 7.) NOT KEEPING A RECORD.

Similarly, what do you wear to a networking event? The basics of networking outfitsPlay it safe in a blazer with patch pockets. It's more casual than a full suit, and you can avoid wearing a tie. Try a lapel pin on top of your shirt for an instant conversation starter. Determine the type of event before choosing how casual to dress.

Subsequently, one may also ask, what do you do at a networking event?

Follow these steps in order to make your networking events productive for your business:

  • Be clear about your goals and desired outcomes. Start with the end in mind.
  • Talk to people and meet new people.
  • Become a card collector rather than a card giver.
  • Have a structured follow-up plan that works.
  • Have fun and be yourself!

Should I go to networking event?

If your goal is to meet contacts in your industry, then you should most certainly attend a networking event. The events allow you to get to know people easier in comparison to the workplace, and are imperative in both the initial relationship building and the relationship maintaining stages.

Should I bring my resume to a networking event?

You don't want to be handing out your resume to organizations throughout the event, just to run short when you really connect with a recruiter or hiring manager. It's best to bring lots of copies of your resumes with you, as well as business cards, and keep them all in a professional binder or folder.

How long do networking events last?

between 60-90 minutes

How do you network success?

Demonstrate your value to potential clients and employers with these simple successful networking tips:
  1. Meet People Through Other People.
  2. Leverage Social Media.
  3. Don't Ask For A Job.
  4. Use Your Resume as a Tool for Advice.
  5. Don't Take Up Too Much Time.
  6. Let The Other Person Speak.
  7. Present A Success Story.

What are point to point networks?

With networking, the goal is to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with other business people. This can either lead to future collaborations or even future clients/customers. The primary goal is to make people aware of your business and turn them into customers.

How do you attend a networking event?

Follow these steps in order to make your networking events productive for your business:
  1. Be clear about your goals and desired outcomes. Start with the end in mind.
  2. Talk to people and meet new people.
  3. Become a card collector rather than a card giver.
  4. Have a structured follow-up plan that works.
  5. Have fun and be yourself!

How do you mingle at a networking event?

A psychologist's advice for navigating networking events when you hate mingling
  1. Remind yourself why you're doing this. “Own and embrace what's in it for you,” Molinsky says.
  2. Go early.
  3. Focus on making someone else comfortable.
  4. Envision your exit.
  5. Have an opening line.

Are networking events worth it?

Sadly, there's no easy answer to this one. Some networking events are absolutely worth the investment of time and resources, while others are, indeed, a complete and utter waste. You probably can't avoid all bad networking events, but you can certainly do your due diligence to identify the ones with the most potential.

What to talk in networking event?

At a networking event, you can ask someone what their goals were for the event or who an ideal introduction is for them. You might find commonalities in why you are there or who you want to meet. This is a good time to share your career goals and to discuss the things that you like best about your work.

What do you say when networking?

Learning to network successfully can help you grow your business more than anything else.
  1. Look approachable.
  2. Have a great handshake.
  3. Begin with a question.
  4. Show interest and give compliments.
  5. Develop your "elevator speech." Networking events--and most social get-togethers--offer you the opportunity to tell your story.

How do you introduce yourself in a conference?

Start with understanding the people around you, and how the world sees you.
  1. 5 quick tips for introducing yourself at a conference.
  2. Find one way to ADD VALUE to the conversation.
  3. Ask real questions.
  4. Find out how the world sees you.
  5. Consider what people will ALREADY be thinking about and talking about.

Are networking events a waste of time?

Why Networking Events Can be a Waste of Time
It's about exchanging of value, like a piece of content or referral, and not just a business card. You attend networking events with the wrong mindset – you may view it as a work-related task or something that you really don't want to do.

How do you mingle professionally?

To meet and greet professionally; make eye contact, smile, shake hands and say hello. Introduce yourself with your first and last name and, if appropriate, state your relationship to the host. Don't use nick names. Listen to how people introduce themselves and follow their lead.

Can I wear jeans to a conference?

Dark jeans or casual slacks and a sweater or top are good core items and can double as your airplane outfit. Even when not attending conference events, it's best to maintain a polished and professional look because you never know who you meet in the elevator or coffee shop.

Why networking events are a waste of time?

Why Networking Events Can be a Waste of Time
You're focused on selling rather than building a relationship. You're attending the wrong types of networking events. You attend networking events with the wrong mindset – you may view it as a work-related task or something that you really don't want to do.

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What should you not do at a networking event?