Guest Post by Scott Bourne

While the cat is away – well you know the rest of the story. Skip is still resting after having his gallbladder out so I get to write another guest post here at Skip’s Photo Network. Yesterday I gave you some networking tips. With all the big photo conferences coming up, here are some things to avoid if you want to make your networking a success.

1. Be prepared. I mean really prepared. Bring business cards (yes I know it’s basic but I admit that once or twice I forgot mine so you might too.) Make sure you’re properly groomed. Bugs in your teeth won’t win you many friends. Dress appropriately.

2. Don’t interrupt. If someone you want to meet  or network with is talking with someone else, you won’t make a very good impression if you bulldog your way to the front of the line. Wait your turn.

3. Don’t talk too much about yourself. Don’t brag. Don’t profile. Don’t strut. Be humble. I know it’s hard to be humble when you’re as great as you are, but try. Listen to what other people think. Let them finish their thoughts. Ask follow up questions to show that you are interested and listening.

4. Don’t be shy. If you want to network, you can’t do it from the back of the room. You have to be willing to put yourself out there. Go for it.

5. Don’t monopolize your new friends’ time. Networking is simple. You introduce yourself. You listen to what your new friend has to say. You exchange cards. You figure out if there’s anything you can do to help your new friend. You make an action plan to follow up with each other and you move on. Everyone at a networking event is looking for a chance to make new contacts. Let them. Take your turn and move along.

Networking can be very valuable. Skip and I have built entire businesses and careers around networking. Get off on the right foot and avoid these mistakes. You’ll be better off for it.