https://ganeshdalvicpf.blogspot.com/2019/04/etiquette-at-professional-meet.htmlI enjoy attending seminars, trainings, conference, summits… actually anything that will give me an opportunity to be among people. Being in the people’s business, observing & analysing people helps a great deal while conducting workshops, analysing training needs or negotiating with a client. It has also helped me to write this blog on ‘ETIQUETTE AT A PROFESSIONAL MEET’.I have realized lot of us consider a function or party synonymous with a professional meet. These two obviously have a different protocol which we need to follow….It is important to know what the agenda is. It gives a real bad impression if you are not aware why you are there in the first place.If you are on time … you are late. Try reaching about 10 – 15 minutes early so that you can meet & connect with people. It’s important to register yourself if there is a registration counter. ‘Fashionably late’ sounds good only at page 3 parties.Don’t attack the buffet counter. Remember you are there to network & learn. Imagine you have a food laden plate in one hand & beverage glass in the other, not to forget the PDAs thrust somewhere & you are trying to shake hands with someone. It’s a good idea to take food that you can easily manage eating while you interact with people. Other option is have quick bites & then interact.Stay sober… DO I need to write more?Don’t crib about the menu. A guy I know will always do this & do it loud enough for everyone to hear which attract looks that could paralyze him if not kill. If the food is not of your choice simply steer away.So often I come across a ‘celebrity’ to whom I say Hi!! I am Ganesh. This is my card & the ‘celebrity’ with a swish of her hand says.. Ohh!! I am not carrying my card. I just forgot. NOT DONE. Your business card is your identity as a professional. It gives a lot of important info about you. Well, not carrying it also tells a lot about you…. Ensure you are carrying a good number of your updated business cards. As a friend of mine says in his trainings… It’s OK if you forget your underwear… never forget your business cards when you are going for a professional meet.Make an effort to meet new people. More often than not we tend to be with people we already know rather than meeting others whom we don’t know. I have a clear rule with my team that we will not hang around together till we leave the venue. Have the courtesy to listen. Ask questions about what the other person’s work. More connects are made when you lend an ear than speaking. Nothing pleases a human more than talking about himself. Give genuine & work-related compliments. It’s none of your business if her dress is ossum !!Well, so many people met… so many cards collected…. N that’s it? Nope!! Connect with your new found connects. A mail or message sent will fortify the connection even more.Oh yes… I forgot to mention attire… My Image consultant friends would have killed me!! Depending upon the occasion dress appropriately. I usually ask the organizer if there is a dress code to be followed. Business casuals is a good bet most of the times & it is always better to be over dressed than to be under dressed.That’s all for now… Happy networking!!