by Danielle Andrews Sunkel
One of your responsibilities as a wedding professional is to attend industry events, meet other vendors, view new venues, experience different caterers food and most importantly, network.
Networking is supposed to be light chit chat to get to know the other person and see if you can work together in a mutually beneficial capacity. It can be difficult to learn how to network and I will admit, I am not good at making small-talk, but it absolutely amazes me that so many people do not know what NOT to do.
I can’t tell you how many times I have had to listen to someone try to convince me just how wonderful and successful they are. At one recent event, every single person I spoke with told me their life story. Eight different people! Not one question about me, no mention of the event or any other semblence of conversation. I have to admit, I resented them monopolizing my time like that.
So to help you make industry friends, not foes, here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help you network:
DON’T stick to only people you already know. You can always grab a coffee together after the event.
DO introduce yourself to new people. It can be scary to walk up to a stranger, but you already know you are in the same industry, so there is mutual ground. Ask them what they think about a new trend you’ve been seeing lately.
DON’T talk about politics, religion, anything controversial or guaranteed to spur strong opinions. That is what your friends are for.
DO exchange business cards with people you like. You never know when an opportunity to work together may come up.
DON’T monopolize people. If you see someone’s eyes starting to dart around, set them free.
DO taste the food and drink. Shucks darn it, its your job!
DON’T drink too much. You are representing your company in a professional capacity.
DO talk about the event you are at (positively.) Only stick to good things about the event you are at. If you speak negatively, you are giving the impression that you are a negative person.
DON’T gossip or slander. It is a very small world, you never know who knows each other and you are showing the other person that you are not trustworthy. They will conclude that if you can talk about someone else to a stranger, you will talk about them too.
DO have an elevator speech ready. You should be able to tell what you do and how you are special in 30 seconds or less.
DON’T tell your life story. This is not the appropriate time. If you must use a stranger as a sounding board, pay a therapist, it is their job to listen to you.
DO ask about the person you are speaking to. Find out what that person does and what makes their service special.
DON’T brag or assume you are more successful or experienced than the person you are speaking to. Just because the other person is secure enough not to boast or compete, it does not mean they are not successful. “When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.” ~Lao Tzu
DO attend as many events as you possibly can. You will be a better, more-connected professional for it.
Great advice!! I always enjoy the 5-minute ice breaker games at events where you can mix and mingle with new people and see some familiar faces as well.
This is wonderful advice! I think its important for people to expand their networking skills so as to better align themselves within the industry! These are all great points that have been addressed! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years and I still struggle to make a new connection. Some people may think I’m a bit of a snob but honestly I’m just shy. Thanks for the article.
Fabulous post! It can be very intimidating to network at first, but once you have the confidence in yourself, your abilities and your business, it almost becomes second nature.
WOW! LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! Very well said! So many amazing points and a great read for re-focusing and remembering why we attend the industry events in the first place! Thanks for sharing!
Love it, thanks for writing a great article on one of my favourite things!
Fabulous Topic! I agree with Walter, it’s hard to not come across as a snob if you really are just a little shy.
I remember feeling intimidated at an event with assigned seating…it ended up being an amazing experience and allowing me to talk with so many people that I might not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.
Fantastic Article and well put! It is always intimidating going to a networking event on your own but you will be amazed at how many people are in the same boat!
Nicely put. Direct to the point, move on. Think of networking like speed dating, get the information needed (in a polite way) and move onto the next.
This is a great article. Thank you for the reminders.
I wish I could be there with you all.
Have a wonderful time.
Kimberly