By: Adam Small

Here is a list of your top 10 business networking hates based on a survey carried out amongst experienced networkers and a few tips on how you can help yourself handle these next time you go networking.

1. Takers v. givers and people who sell to you ‘People who talk about themselves and their business and have no interest in anyone else, and who try to sell to you missing the point of what networking is all about’ ‘My pet hate is people who try to sell to me – completely turns me off!’

Undoubtedly this is one of the top business networking hates.....people who just don’t get the concept of networking and are out for all they can get whilst not being prepared to give. They will see a networking event as a place to carry out a sales pitch rather than build up relationships. So, set an example yourself and adopt the attitude to give before receiving. Also help others unders tand this concept, after all most people new to networking won’t necessarily know how to network effectively.

2. Walking into a room full of people and breaking into groups ‘When I first started networking my biggest problem was going up to people and introducing myself. It went against my nature to make the first move, so that took some getting used to.’ A close second on the list of your business networking hates is walking into the room full of strangers and making the first move to introduce yourself. Research has shown around 99% of networkers feeling some sort of negative feeling at the prospect of walking into a room full people they don’t know. But take heart, with practice you do get used to this.

Remember people are there to network so will welcome you introducing yourself. Prioritise towards people you know who can introduce you to others, lone networkers and people in ‘open groups’ where there is a gap for you to join them. Also be the good networ ker by keeping a look out for others who look as if they want to join a group.

3. Standing up and speaking ‘...saying those first few words to a person or group of people. So how to make a good, lasting, first impression’

Whether you have to stand up and introduce yourself to an audience or just to someone on a one to one basis many people feel apprehensive…fear of forgetting what you want to say, not explaining yourself clearly or just not making a positive impression. Most people will tell you that with experience and practice this fear diminishes particularly if you become familiar with the people you are talking to. The key to this is preparation.....know what you want to say and keep it concise. How can you sum up what you do and how it benefits others in say 20 seconds? ... READ ALL 10 TIPS HERE <http://www.strategicbusinessnetwork.com/Article101?id=70932>

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