Members Share Their Thoughts: Things We hate About Networking Events

Based on our survey data, the Chamber has reimagined and reinvented networking to bring back the spark! We listened to your feedback and have completely transformed our approach to make networking events more engaging, meaningful, and impactful. Get ready to experience a whole new level of connection and collaboration with Chamber Academy & Networking: Learn, Grow & Connect 

Blast Your Audio Business Card at a New Acquaintance:

"A networking event is a place to practice your conversational skills. When Someone asks you, 'What do you do?' it's a conversation starter, not an invitation to tell your life story. Networking is like watering a garden; relationships develop over time. Don't turn a pleasant conversation into a sales pitch."

Drink Too Much:

 "Alcohol is a social lubricant, so they say, but at business networking events, drink half as much as you think you can handle or none at all. Remember, you are representing your company."

Guest Speakers Who Have a Product or Service to Sell:

 "If an educational program exists, it needs to be unbiased and commercial-free. Presentations should be educational, not biased sales pitches."

Try to Sell to Someone Who is Trying to Network With You:

"Networking and selling are two different things. Networking is about forming relationships over time, not immediate sales. Everyone trying to sell at networking events can make the experience unpleasant."

Having No Guidelines or Best Practices:

"Many networking groups are ruined by predatory networkers who turn friendly events into sale-a-thons. Kudos to the NW Valley Chamber for setting ground rules to maintain the integrity of Networking."

Not Paying Attention and Looking for Your Next Target:

"It's impolite to scan the room for Someone more interesting while conversing. Focus on the person you're talking to, then naturally end the conversation and move on."

Ask Who They Know:

"Asking new acquaintances about their connections is not polite. Avoid questions like, 'Who do you know at XYZ Corp?'"

Get Someone's Business Card and Misuse It: "Don't take Someone's business card and immediately add them to your newsletter list or send spam emails. Ask if it's okay to connect on LinkedIn. Respect their response."

Hit on Someone:

"A networking event is a business event. If you find Someone interesting, follow up with an invite to coffee later. Don't hit on a person at the event."

Fail to Thank the Organizer and Sponsors:

 "Always thank the meeting organizer and sponsors before you leave. They worked hard to make the event possible for you to meet new people."