. . . if you haven't yet learned the collaborative etiquette of networking!

Hmmm. Got your attention didn't I? I suppose all networking is good, however, what brings the most productive long-term benefit to both parties is the manner in which the relationship is built.

What is the collaborative etiquette of networking?

Collaborative, n.
1. The act of working together; united labor.
2. To work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort.

Etiquette, n.
1. The practices and forms prescribed by social convention or by authority.
2. The customs or rules governing behavior regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life

So, collaborative etiquette is: The act of working together within the practice of mutually beneficial social convention. Put another way, it is networking in a way that subscribes to the idea that networking is about using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals as you cultivate a network of people strategically positioned to support you in your goals. . . expecting nothing in return. Collaborative etiquette is the lubrication that makes things run smoothly. Without it, you may permanently alienate others.

And yet another way. . . it's practicing the "Go Giver" mentality not the "give to get" mentality. In other words, the "give to get" mentality is giving with an expectation of receiving something from the person you gave to. Not good. This is a set-up for disappointment because that is not the way it usually works. When you give it always comes back to you but not always from the person you contributed to.

Keep your expectations in check. Remember, unfulfilled expectations always cause problems. If you don't get what you expect, you get disappointed. Disappointment leads to resentment, frustration and upsets. Having expections is a luxury you cannot afford in networking.

I am disgusted with the "meet" market mass hysteria that seems to follow very large networking events. And. . . nothing irritates me more than having a Networking Nancy or a Networking Ned shove a business card in hand and say, "What do you do?" and before I can answer, they interrupt with their unsolicited pitch without waiting to see if I care. Like they care? It doesnt feel like it. Like I care? Hardly. No one cares about your opportunity until they know how much you care.

Building trust comes way before giving a sales spiel.

Hysteria, n.
1. Behavior exhibiting excessive or uncontrollable emotion, such as fear or panic.

Fear or panic, eh? Seems to me to fit the profile of a networking newbie or someone who flat doesn't understand the collaborative etiquette of networking. The fear may come from their concern about business not being so good or that they feel they must work really hard to meet as many people as they can to help them or they will fail. They don't know that in networking we are there to stir up a collaborative relationship where we truly help each other.

IMPORTANT: Networking is about helping each other. It's a two-way street!

Before me stands someone who is desperate to get business - coming from fear - rather than take the time it takes to develop a long-lasting relationship.

Desperate, n.
1. One desperate or hopeless.

Another irritant is having an MLMer (multi-level or network marketer) try to recruit me into their fold without telling me hardly anything about their scheme where I can make $20,000 a month. It seems to me that it should be this way: help someone understand and like the product by being a user of the product and much later. . . introduce them to a way that they might make a few extra dollars in their spare time. I know how it works because at one point in my life I was a very successful MLMer. Networking events are not about recruiting. If you are someone who does this, you will soon get a reputation as a networking pest and your networking opportunities will soon evaporate.

Sometimes I want to scream, "Stop trying to sell me. I don't even know you and you certainly have no clue about what my motivation is for being here!"

Be clear. Networking is using your creative talents to help others achieve their goals as you cultivate a network of people strategically positioned to support you in your goals. . . expecting nothing in return! And if a business lead grows from conversation with another networker thats the bonus! Not the intent.

At a networking event what comes first?

1. Small Talk

No serious banter about "your" business. It's get acquainted time. Introduce yourself then ask, "What do you do?" Show an interest in others. Establish eye contact, then raise a non-threatening small-talk topic. The purpose of small talk is to break the ice, build rapport and gain trust. Do you both "click?" Without rapport, there is no foundation to develop a long-term relationship. Offer a firm handshake. Wear a name tag on the right side of your jacket or dress.

Observe and listen. Listening is the heart of communication. Target the person's interests. Be mentally engaged in what the other person is saying. Interact with positive observations and questions about how you might help them. Look for a keyword or phrase that is in some way related to the topic that you would like to discuss with this person. Ask relevant questions and avoid wasting his or her time. Determine what the person believes he or she needs related to you, then link yourself to their needs. Offer to help if you think you can contribute. Never be afraid to take initiative. Be pleasant, respectful and polite.

Avoid any type of sarcasm or negativity. Offer no, "Business is bad" talk. Keep the conversation positive. Insert positive reinforcement into the conversation. Make good eye contact. Be relaxed and confident. Respect their personal space. Easy on the business cards (see #2). Never be afraid to ask for help. Most people are flattered to be asked for assistance, tips and advice.

Maintain focus on the one you are talking with. It's rude to be looking over their shoulder to see who else would be your next likely victim. It should only take a few minutes of small talk to help you make the right choice about whether this is someone you want to follow-up with.

Postpone further discussions if the person wants to get down to business right away and there are others present. Exchanges business cards and set an appointment to consider the matter in greater depth. You must carefully consider who you choose to connect with. For the people you do reject, show respect by offering alternatives. Perhaps someone else in your network could help them.

2. Exchange Business Cards. . . MAYBE!

I seldom offer my business card to someone I would rather not do business with. If they ask, I will oblige. Make business card exchanges meaningful. Only exchange cards with someone when it will be of benefit to both of you. "Hello, my name is Boring Bobby, have a business card" doesn't work.

Demonstrate that you have common sense. Send the appropriate message to others in order to avoid misunderstandings and foster trust. If you want to pursue the relationship say so and follow up. If not say, "Please excuse me, I've enjoyed speaking with you." Smile and move on.

3. Don't butt in!

If you see several people talking and you would like to join them, approach with sensitivity. Stand quietly several feet away for a second or two. If there is a break in the conversation or if someone in the group happens to look your way use your good judgment and take a step forward and introduce yourself. If that doesn't happen, exit immediately with "excuse me." It should be clear that they choose not to invite anyone else into the conversation.

4. Butt Out!

There is always one Boring Bobby or Boring Betty at every large networking event. These are the people you want to get away from as soon as possible. Say, "I'd like to grab a Pepsi. Feel free to mingle with others." Or. . . offer to introduce them to someone else, then make the introductions and as they begin to chat with each other, politely excuse yourself. People like this are a challenge. Never feel obliged to suffer through their monotony at a networking event.

5. Keep your word!

Follow through on your promises. Never, I repeat, never offer anything unless you plan to follow through.

6. Follow up! - Promptly

Think of creative ways to keep in touch. Thank people for leads, tips and ideas even if their suggestions don't work out; your contacts will appreciate the follow-up. E-mail and a phone call are okay but a face-to-face connection with someone you want to know better is best. Practice appropriate persistence and be sensitive to time constraints. A lack of prompt follow up is in the top 3 of mistakes networkers make.

My guess would be that the biggest percentage of people who attend large networking events have had little, if any, training on how to network correctly. They are not even aware of the simple slip-ups that can cascade into full-blown avoidance by others in the network. They are thinking: "Sell, sell, sell." Wrong!

They mostly see it as an opportunity to collect business leads. By the way, working the room does not mean meeting as many people as you can and collecting the most business cards. A poor approach to networking can have a devastating effect however an effective approach using collaborative etiquette can open countless doors and opportunities.

At a recent networking event I stopped at the name tag table and asked to speak with the person who was hosting the event. The young women behind the table immediately looked around the room, spotted the host and said, "Come with me. I'll introduce you to her." That's class.

Why is effective networking so important? Because networking isn't just a great idea anymore; networking is an essential and long-term component of developing and maintaining long-term business relationships. The basics of effective networking are easy to learn, but as with most professional skills, they must be practiced and perfected in order to be effective.

So. . . are we clear? Networking is NOT about selling or collecting business cards. It's about building relationships. Always remember, successful networking is based on giving more than you take.

Never assume that those within your network share your religious, political, or social beliefs. It's best to stay away from these topics.

You would be wise to create a 5 to 10 second elevator speech for a large event. One that briefly describes what you do. At smaller events you will often be asked to introduce yourself and a 30-second connection would be more appropriate.

If you are unclear about what networking is about. . . get help before you damage your reputation and become someone others avoid when they see you coming. (You know people like that, dont you?). Don't become one of them. Hire a coach. It is important to learn the ropes from someone who knows the ropes.

The proper application of collaborative etiquette in networking will empower you to build and nurture your own network. Make a commitment to put these powerful guidelines into action and you'll be attracting a vast number of new team members and business partners into your network. Put to use the guidelines of collaborative etiquette to your networking opportunities and before long the contacts will be coming to you, instead of the other way around.

Commitment, n. 1. an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled

The quality of relationships you build in networking are far superior to the quantity of friends you make!

"These lasting, mutually beneficial business relationships begin with projecting an outstanding impression, but are sustained through trust and the investment of time and effort to help others." - Aviva Shiff, co-founder of Spark Training & Coaching Associates

Bonus Link: Watch a brief video featuring Phyllis Davis on Networking Etiquette! (Highly Recommended) Click here!