Seville's networking etiquette

From formal networking events to less formal after-work drinks meetings, there is a variety of networking methods available to you in the Andalusian capital. These are detailed in our article titled “Developing a professional network in Seville.”

Before attending any networking occasion in Seville, it is a good idea to brush up on networking event etiquette. Whether you are at the start of your career or a seasoned business veteran, here are a few dos and don'ts to help you maximize the potential of networking in Seville.

Read also Developing your social circle in Seville

Networking events dos and don'ts in Seville

Do:

• Focus on creating long-term and meaningful relationships.
• Greet other people with a firm handshake and make eye contact. The traditional kiss on both cheeks is not normal in business relationships.
• Take the initiative and reach out to other people first. Don't sit on the sidelines waiting for someone to approach you.
• Prepare before you show up. Think about how you will introduce yourself, what you have got to offer, and what you are looking for.
• Listen attentively to whoever you are in conversation with and ask questions to demonstrate you are engaged in what they are saying. Networking is about listening to someone and connecting with them.
• Give value. Approach your potential contacts with the mindset of how you can help them rather than how they can help you. Ultimately, this creates a win-win situation.
• Look smart with a business-casual wardrobe.
• Follow-up within 48 hours of the meeting. This is the golden rule of networking. Send your new contacts an email and maybe suggest grabbing a coffee to carry on the conversation you had. Only do so if you are really interested in staying in touch with them.
• Consider organizing a get-together to maintain contact with people in your professional network.

Don't:

• Just talk to people you know. Your mission is to find new contacts, and therefore, you need to be brave and introduce yourself to the people around you.
• Stay talking to one person for the duration of the event. The idea is to meet lots of people, and everyone understands that, so the other person won't be offended when you start talking to others.
• Adopt a “What's in it for me?” attitude. Good networking involves give and take, and if you go the extra mile for a contact, you will likely inspire someone to go the extra mile for you.
• Look over someone's shoulder when you are talking to them. Trying to see who else is in the room when you are engaged in conversation is rude.
• Spend your time tapping into or speaking on your phone. Turn it off or have it on vibrate mode and only answer if there is an emergency.
• Make it all about you. Networking is about having conversations.
• Mention controversial subjects like politics or religion.
• Forget your business cards or bring along cheap-looking ones.
• Grab as many business cards as you can as if they are free candy. Networking is about quality more than quantity.
• Be critical of other people at the event. It will make you look bad.
• Overindulge with alcohol. At most networking events, alcohol is served, but it is never a good idea to drink to excess when you are trying to create a good impression.

Networking for success

Above all, take advantage of all the professional networking opportunities that Seville has to offer. Good luck!