Networking Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts

Good networking etiquette is less about rules and more about making other people feel comfortable, heard and respected.

Make it easy for people to talk to you

A relaxed posture, eye contact and a genuine smile make a bigger difference than a polished sales script. Arrive with the intention of being curious about other people rather than trying to deliver your pitch to everyone in the room.

• Keep your phone away while you are speaking with someone.
• Use open questions that invite more than a yes or no answer.
• Introduce people when you spot a useful connection between them.

Listen before you sell

A networking conversation is not a qualification call. If you listen carefully you will learn what the other person actually does, the problems they solve and the kinds of introductions that would be useful to them. That information gives you a much stronger reason to stay in touch.

• Avoid interrupting or redirecting every topic back to your own business.
• Ask a follow-up question about something they have just said.
• Make a short note after the conversation so you can remember the detail later.

Respect the room

Different events have different levels of formality, but the fundamentals stay the same. Give people enough personal space, avoid monopolising one person for the whole session and be willing to end a conversation politely so both of you can meet others.

• Do not dismiss somebody because their job title does not look immediately useful.
• Avoid controversial topics unless you already know the person well.
• Thank hosts, speakers and people who make introductions.

Follow up properly

A useful follow-up should help the other person remember the conversation. Mention where you met, refer to a real point you discussed and suggest a sensible next step only when there is one.

• Send the message within a couple of days.
• Keep it personal and concise.
• Do not add people to marketing lists without permission.

Putting it into practice

Networking improves through repetition. Choose one or two ideas from this guide, use them at your next event, and review what worked afterwards.

If you want to practise these ideas with a friendly group of local business owners, take a look at the next Elevating Business networking events.