This is the 11th blog post in a series taken from my book ‘Networking tips for busy female professionals’. Each week, we will take a tip from the book and publish it in a blog post.
If after 5 minutes of a conversation you have found no mutual interests or areas in which you can help each other, it’s time to move on. Do exit gracefully (see tip 17). As a busy female professional you normally don’t have time to dig and dig for hours until you find a connection – your purpose for networking is to meet people who can help you attract opportunities. (See tip 9)
Many people will advocate that you always exchange contacts details, and that you never know when you may need this person again. I don’t recommend exchanging contact details unless you have connected at some sort of level, and will want to follow-up the conversation. If you haven’t made a connection, it unlikely that either of you will contact each other again – or in all honesty, if you supply your contact details you will probably find yourself on their mailing list.
Action point:
- At your next networking event, give yourself 5 minutes to decide on whether to carry on a conversation, and deepen a relationship.
If you have enjoyed this tip and would like to get more of the tips before the book is published, then read on
If you would like to pre-register to receive a signed copy of the book, please fill in your details in the form, and we will send you sample chapters when they become available, progress updates with the book, and details of how to get one of the first copies of the book.
Related posts:
- Working the room tip 5: Engineer who you sit next to This is the fifth blog post in a series taken from my book ‘ Networking tips for busy female professionals’....
- Working the room tip 8: Be focused This is the eighth blog post in a series taken from my book ‘Networking tips for busy female professionals’. Each...
- Working the room tip 2: Learn the art of introductions This is the second blog post in a series taken from my book ‘ Networking tips for busy female professionals’....
- Working the room tip 16: Make eye contact and smile This is the 16th blog post in a series taken from my book ‘Networking tips for busy female professionals’. Each...
- Working the room tip 9: Don’t sell This is the ninth blog post in a series taken from my book ‘ Networking tips for busy female professionals’....
