Ashton Tweed has created the first Executive Talent Bank for the Life Sciences.

Networking Tips: Do You Make These 5 Mistakes at Networking Meetings?

Networking meetings provide a great opportunity for marketing yourself to help ensure ongoing professional success. As you set out to maximize the value of networking meetings, the following are five common mistakes to avoid:

1. Settle into conversations with people you already know.
   Although staying with familiar colleagues at professional events is easier than chatting with people you don’t know, resist the temptation and mingle. Keep in mind that people expect to be approached at professional events and — like you — are also looking to build their networks.
2. Leave meetings as soon as the speaker finishes.
   The best networking opportunities occur before the formal program starts and right after it ends. To be sure that you get the most value out of networking meetings, plan to arrive early and stay late.
3. Attend meetings without getting involved.
   Being active in only one or two professional organizations is more beneficial than occasionally attending 10. By volunteering on committees or becoming a board member, you’ll get to know the key people in your industry who can help make things happen.
4. Run out of business cards.
   This may seem obvious, but many people at networking events either forget to bring their cards or don’t bring enough. So always be sure to have an adequate supply of your business cards handy. And if you request cards from individuals who don’t have any, ask them to write their contact information on the back of one of yours.
5. Miss opportunities by not following up immediately.
   How many times have you met someone at a professional event, exchanged business cards with the intention of following up, and never did? Follow up with new professional contacts within the first couple days after meeting them — either by email or phone — while your meeting is still fresh in their minds.

For information about upcoming local events that provide great career networking opportunities for life sciences professionals, be sure to visit the Ashton Tweed Networking Events Page.