Here are the 4 Awkward Moments that frequently come up about networking. 

“I can’t remember someone’s name?” 

Say (with warmth), “I remember you! Tell me your name again.” Then hang on to his name long enough to introduce him to someone else at the event.  Whether it’s 3 minutes later or 3 hours later, that’s your job as a great connector!

“I’d like to join that group of people who are talking together – but how to do it?”  

Enter the circle, listen closely to what’s being said and react appropriately.  When the person speaking has finished her point, you might say, “How do you all know each other?” Or say, “I’m new here. I’d love to know more about . . . .”  Or say, “What workshops did you all go to this morning?”  Or say, “My name’s Joe, Joe Sanderson – like Anderson, but with an “S.” That will start the introductions and that will lead to more conversation.

“Yikes! I forgot to do something I promised to do.”  

Get in touch with the person immediately. Say, “I really goofed.  I promise to call you with Susan’s number and I didn’t.  I’m so sorry.  Would you still like to get in touch with her?  How about if I arrange lunch for the 3 of us?” Here’s the Formula: Acknowledge the mistake. Say you’re sorry.  Make amends in any way you can.

“I hate talking with someone who is very dogmatic and opinionated. What can I do?”  

Say, “I’m not sure I agree with you.  May I tell you how I see it?” Or say, “Sounds like you’ve got your mind made up.  What else have you been up to recently?”  Or exit the conversation by saying, “Good talking with you.  I’m going to see if anyone else is here from Chicago/or who’s interested in writing for the magazine/or who’s been to the annual convention.”  Follow your own Agenda.  Don’t be ruled by someone else’s!

Learn much, much more in Lynne's courses on Illumeo.

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Lynne Waymon is the CEO of Contacts Count LLC, an international training & consulting firm that specializes in working with corporations, government agencies, associations, and professional services firms.