44 - From Handshakes to Cocktails: The Dos and Don’ts of Networking Etiquette

Blended

The panel of guests are going to explore the dos and don’ts; discuss the different things we need to consider, from drinking to shaking hands; reflect on the differences between on and offline networking; and share their own experiences for us to learn from.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01.19] Introductions to our Blended panellists.

· Lynn – Founder and CEO at LW Coaches

· Kristy – President and Owner at Knichel Logistics

· Benita – Independent Consultant at Benita Lee Professional Corp

[05.16] The group discuss what we need to consider when it comes to networking etiquette and being professional; share some of their key dos and don’ts; and reflect on the differences between male and female experiences at in-person events.

· Respect

· Communication

· Punctuality

· Setting up meetings

· Attending meetings/ghosting

· Time management/scheduling

· Safety

· Dressing professionally

· Awareness/understanding of your surroundings

· Group settings vs individual encounters

· Taking responsibility for yourself

· Being intentional and self-aware

· Planning ahead

· Supporting each other

· Body language

· Anxiety

· Mindset

· Managing alcohol intake

· Inclusion

· Slow down and be present

“At night, when you’re leaving a conference – I usually get someone to walk me to where I’m going, and men are just not as aware.” Benita

“Be inclusive – make sure you talk to different attendees with different backgrounds, to get different perspectives.” Kristy

“One of my ‘dos’ is planning ahead. You get what you put into it… take responsibility for responding vs reacting, and be very present.” Lynn

“The more senior they are, the more I encourage them to take responsibility for role-modeling healthy, human-connecting behaviors… as a senior person you have the opportunity with your presence to open up the space, and bring people into the conversation.” Lynn

“My Dad would tell me: “Business is done in the bar.” So I would stay at the bar until 2am – and he wasn’t wrong!” Kristy

[31.59] The panel reflect on the positives and pitfalls of going out for group dinners – and exactly who pays the bill.

“Who pays the bill changes the dynamic.” Benita

· Expectations/assumptions

· Navigating awkwardness

· Paying as a sign of respect, thanks or appreciation

· Setting boundaries

· Clear communication

· Misconceptions

· Reciprocity

[42.59] The group discuss the etiquette around greetings and physical touch.

· Handshakes vs fist bumps vs hugging vs kissing

· Self-control

· Impact of the pandemic

· Following others lead

· The power of a smile

· Normalizing asking for people’s consent/boundaries

· Respecting cultural differences

[50.39] The panel reflect on how we navigate difficult conversations, and how to react when we’re offended in a networking environment.

· Intent

· Shifting perspective instead of disagreeing

· Understanding if you need to respond – what are you responding to?

· Walking away

· Responding without judgement

· Leading with curiosity – “why do you say that?”

· Asking for permission to support

· Recognizing that we all have choices

“Offer your perspective – it doesn’t have to begin with ‘I disagree!’” Lynn

[59.08] The group talk about the dos and don’ts of online networking, and how we discuss or disagree in a respectful way in digital spaces.

· Accountability

· Intentional connections

· Two-way conversations

· The differing etiquette between social platforms

· Introductions

· Sending the right messages

· Relationship-building rather than selling

· Putting in the time/making the effort

· Being mindful of how/why people use the space

· Using first names

· Making sure you have a picture

· Creating safe spaces

· Assuming good intent

“It’s a platform tool for you, it should serve you. Don’t get trapped into serving it.” Lynn

“I have a virtual book club… it gives people a forum to disagree respectfully… I can practice how to do it well.” Benita

[01.15.47] The panel sum-up their thoughts from today’s discussion.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Lynn, Kristy and Benita over on LinkedIn.