No matter where you choose to spend your time networking, you will likely meet a few characters at each event you attend. Here are just a few generalizations (and exaggerations) of people you may encounter and some strategies for succeeding in your interactions with them.
The Overachiever
You are chatting about your plans for the summer when the person you are speaking to mentions his plans. “I’m currently working on the next Presidential campaign and working to establish a school for children in Africa. Of course, I’m hoping to launch my start-up this summer as well…” I need a vacation just listening to his summer plans.
First and foremost, don’t feel inadequate. These are his plans and not yours for a reason. He has had to sacrifice A LOT to accomplish his summer plans. Compliment him and wish him the best of luck with his endeavors.
If these plans were expressed with a snarky smirk and a withering gaze at you, smile and wish him the best of luck. He’s going to need it with that kind of attitude.
The Downer
Remember Debbie Downer from Saturday Night Live?
She may be at your next networking event.
You smile and introduce yourself. You get a sigh and half-hearted handshake. You try to make small talk.
You ask her if she played any sports in college. She says, “Yes, until I blew out my knee and lost my scholarship.” You appropriately say, “I am sorry to hear that.” You ask her what type of work she does and she responds, “I’m unemployed now. I can’t find a job. This economy sucks.”
This is where it gets dangerous. If you aren’t careful, this Downer has the potential to ruin your positive attitude. Don’t let her. Don’t feed into her negativity. Smile and stay positive. Tell her that there are great opportunities to meet people at this event. Wish her the best and move on.
The Criticizer
The Criticizer is the cousin of the Downer.
The Criticizer is the person complaining about the food, the drinks, the location, and the company. Avoid the Criticizer at all costs.
You don’t want to be associated with someone who is not only negative, but also unkind. Excuse yourself from conversation with the Criticizer as politely as possible, keeping in mind that he will criticize you when you walk away anyway. Don’t give him any ammunition.
The Barnacle
When you are at a networking event, you want to meet as many as people as possible in a meaningful way. It’s not a good idea to speak with one person for 20 minutes at a networking event. If your connection is that great, you should suggest meeting up for coffee.
The Barnacle is a fellow networker who doesn’t want to leave your side. You introduced yourself and find that the Barnacle is now following you. What do you do?
Realize that he or she is probably extremely nervous about meeting people. Be kind. Excuse yourself and explain there are a few people I need to speak with tonight. Exchange business cards. Suggest someone with whom he or she should talk and if possible make the introduction.
These are, as I mentioned, generalizations and exaggerations of the people that you may encounter when you network. The most important thing to keep in mind, even more than avoiding or excusing yourself from a conversation with these types of people, is not to BE like any of these networkers.
Stay positive, be kind, and happy networking!
