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Conquering Conferences: Avoiding The Faux Pas Of Networking – Above the Law



Ed.
note:

This
is
the
latest
in
a
series
providing
a
comprehensive
guide
to
networking
at
conferences. Read
the
previous
installment
here


As
we
continue
with
“Conquering
Conferences,”
let’s
turn
to
a
lighter
topic

the
missteps
and
faux
pas
of
networking.


Just
like
on
the
dance
floor,
certain
moves
in
networking
can
lead
to
awkward
moments.
Let’s
explore
these
with
a
sense
of
humor
and
learn
how
to
avoid
them.


A
Few
Missteps
to
Avoid


Networking
at
conferences
can
come
with
its
own
set
of
social
missteps.


It’s
all
about
finding
the
right
balance
between
being
engaging
and
respectful,
and
c
ertain
networking
behaviors
can
hinder
your
chances
of
making
meaningful
connections.


Let’s
face
it,
networking
can
sometimes
feel
like
navigating
a
minefield
in
a
blindfold.
To
save
you
from
some
common
blunders,
here
are
a
few
humorous
don’ts:


  1. The
    Monologue
    Marathon:


    Remember,
    this
    isn’t
    your
    one-person
    show.
    Avoid
    hogging
    the
    conversation

    nobody
    wants
    to
    be
    stuck
    with
    the
    person
    who
    talks
    for
    20
    minutes
    about
    their
    “groundbreaking”
    case
    on
    municipal
    zoning
    laws.

  2. Jargon
    Jamboree:


    Sure,
    you
    know
    what
    “res
    judicata”
    means,
    but
    throwing
    around
    legal
    jargon
    like
    confetti
    isn’t
    going
    to
    win
    you
    any
    friends.
    Keep
    it
    simple

    this
    isn’t
    a
    bar
    exam.
    Be
    yourself!

  3. The
    Business
    Card
    Bomber:


    Handing
    out
    your
    card
    to
    everyone
    who
    makes
    eye
    contact
    can
    seem
    a
    bit
    desperate.
    It’s
    about
    quality
    connections,
    not
    collecting
    cards
    like
    Pokémon.

  4. The
    Awkward
    Lingerer:


    Lingering
    too
    long
    in
    a
    conversation
    or
    group
    after
    the
    chat
    has
    died
    down
    can
    be
    awkward.
    Know
    when
    to

    make
    a
    graceful
    exit


    no
    need
    to
    overstay
    your
    welcome.

  5. The
    Oversharer:


    It’s
    great
    to
    be
    open,
    but
    remember,
    a
    networking
    event
    is
    not
    the
    place
    for
    your
    entire
    life
    story.
    Keep
    it
    professional,
    with
    just
    the
    right
    dash
    of
    personal.


Remember,
networking
at
a
conference
is
about
creating
harmony
and
connection,
not
discord
and
discomfort.


By
being
aware
of
these
common
mistakes
and
steering
clear
of
them,
you’ll
ensure
your
networking
experience
is
enjoyable
and
productive.


Now
that
we’ve
laughed
at
our
potential
blunders,
let’s
shift
our
focus
to
the
heart
of
networking

building
genuine
friendships
and
lasting
connections.
Stay
tuned
for
insights
on
how
to
transform
your
professional
contacts
into
meaningful
relationships.


A
Few
Missteps
to
Avoid

✔️
Steer
clear
of
common
networking
blunders.
✔️
Create
harmony
and
connection,
not
discord
and
discomfort.




Sejal PatelSejal Patel is
the Founder
of
Sage
Ivy
,
a
New
York-based
consultancy
specializing
in
empowering
attorneys
with
innovative
practice
development
strategies.
With
over
20
years
of
experience,
Sejal
applies
her
expertise
in
assisting
clients
convert
their
relationships
into
revenue
by
applying
individualized
strategies
to
their
networks
and
leveraging
their
unique
styles
authentically.