Ten Tacky Things

We all have heard about the importance of networking. The messages are constant and frequent about what to do to be effective in networking.  Well I recently had the chance to observe someone who was doing a lot of things incorrectly...she was annoying people.

1. Don't monopolize the conversation.  Talking non-stop about your business, how your product will be the answer to all problems and how you will solve the customer's every wish does not work. 
2. I can do that... I know someone who can help you...  I know who you should call...  I know just the organization you should join...  You can't possibly have all the answers, so don't start every sentence with ''I".
3. Going to a business event sponsored and presented by one business organization, and telling someone there that they shouldn't bother with the sponsoring group but they should join another group.  This is rude and tacky to the nth degree. 
4. Interrupt conversations because you want to have a chance to talk to everyone there.  Join a discussion certainly but don't take it over and make it about you and your business. 
5. Work with other businesses, getting them to refer business to you is always more effective than blowing your own horn
6. Criticize the organizers, the food, the location, the attendees and everything else you can think of. 
7. Sexy and revealing clothing has a place, but it usually isn't at a business event.  Dress appropriately, your clothing and accessories shouldn't be the centre of attention.  
8. Too much jewellery that jingles and jangles and is distracting. Less is more and quality beats quantity.
9. Forget your business cards and then make do by borrowing and writing on the back of another business's card.  
10. Talk, talk, talk, especially if you have a high pitched voice that is annoying to listen to. We all have flaws, but minimize them. If your voice has an annoying quality work to change that, speak slowly and distinctly and make every word you say count. Cut the fluff. 

Be courteous, business like, and professional in everything you do.