There are a lot of things to avoid at business networking conferences and tradeshow events. In fact, there are so many things to avoid that you should definitely take a few minutes to sit down and read this article. We will list what we consider the top 4 most common mistakes business people make at these events.
1. Don’t be pushy
You don’t want to come across as desperate or invasive; this is not the time or place to try and talk your way into a job. When someone isn’t interested in talking to you, just take their word for it and move on.
2. Don’t be too self-promotional
Self-promotion can be great when done correctly but try not to make it your sole focus at these events. You should also avoid using words like “I” and “me.” Instead, use phrases like “we” when discussing projects or accomplishments that you were involved in—it’s more inclusive and respectable!
3. Don’t be too negative about a topic related to the event/show/conference itself
If there’s a problem at an event then it will more than likely be taken care of by people who are responsible for handling those things anyway (like security guards). So don’t waste anyone’s time complaining about something they cannot change! If someone asks how they could improve something then share some ideas but don’t get into specifics unless they ask specifically what went wrong as part of information gathering to assist the process of resolving the problem.
4. Don’t Take part in any gossip sessions.
You don’t want to be associated with it, and you don’t want your new contacts thinking that you’re a gossipy person. It can end up reflecting poorly on your company.
Another thing to keep in mind: don’t gossip or talk negatively about your company, industry or colleagues. Even if you’re talking to someone from another company, it’s important not to badmouth them. If you’re asked questions about your competitors, try to avoid giving too much detail and stick to a general overview. If someone asks for advice on how they could expand their business into new areas or markets, it’s smart to be honest but also diplomatic; don’t say something that might hurt their feelings or make them feel bad about themselves.
Conclusion
Avoiding these mistakes when attending a business networking conference or trade show will help to ensure a positive experience. This can result in developing long lasting business relationships and be the first step towards establishing a mutually beneficial partnership with other businesses.
