- Do go along with the program - if they ask you to sign in, do it
- Do introduce yourself to the organizers, host(s), and showcased vendor(s) - if there are more than three vendors this is not as important
- Do thank the hosts and organizers when you leave
- Don't stand in front of the bar or the food table
- Don't insult people or bad mouth people, whether they're present or not - that type of behavior sticks to you in ways you won't like.
- Don't play practical jokes at others' expense - for example, shaking a soda or beer can before handing it to someone, particularly someone all dressed up
- Don't criticize the food
- Don't use this type of event to argue politics or religion
- Don't bring children (there are a few exceptions, but you're better off not doing it)
- Don't ask to take home food, drink, or goodies for people who "couldn't make it"
Event today (Monday August 17, 2009) - Wilmington Tweetup (Twitter users and people interested in using Twitter) at Chris's Cosmic Kitchen on Eastwood Drive, on the right, just east of Racine Drive heading toward Wrightsville Beach from Market Street. 5-7PM. See you there.This post is one in a series on how to make the most of in-person networking events. If you're going to go (and I suggest you do if your business benefits from relationships), you might as have the most fun possible and give and receive the greatest benefits from the occasion.
If you know of a networking event in the greater Wilmington Area [which means to me anywhere from Topsail Island, NC to North Myrtle Beach, SC] that's open to visitors, drop me a note ahead of time and I'll try to post it.
