• Don't misconstrue networking to be a sales plan.
• Don't be blinded by goals, only guided by them.
• Don't be quick to make judgements about people you meet, today's tin could be tomorrows gold.
• Don't hand out your business cards willy nilly to people you haven't had a conversation with, you will look pushy, desperate or (horrors!) both.

• Don't ask for more than people are willing to give.
• Don't be invasive and ask too many questions.
• Don't overstay your welcome.
• Don't use disparaging humour.
• Don't bad mouth people you never know who is listening and knows the party you are talking about.
• Don't try to network with your hands full - leave glass/teacup/handbag/briefcase to one side and concentrate on networking.
• Don't get caught doing the handbag shuffle or the deep pocket dig - never just throw some business cards into your handbag or your pocket - they will only ever appear with dog ears and the impression will be negative not positive.
• Don't pursue, pester or push people, as you will almost certainly loose the contact.
• Don't break any promises made i.e. to pass on information, contacts, meet for coffee etc.

© 2002 TiG Alliance. All rights reserved.