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
certain
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:
-
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. -
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! -
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. -
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. -
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 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.