We’ve all heard of the traditional social classes – upper, middle and lower, which were broken down even further into seven classes, ranging from the ‘Technical Middle Class’ and the ‘Precarious Proletariat’, to “Emergent Service Workers” and “New Affluent Workers”.
With tongue firmly in cheek, the realm of business networking has been given a similar treatment. Here are 13 types of business networkers that you may have met or have been lucky to avoid.
- Lamp Stand – Stands on his own in the corner. Hopes that no one will notice him or engage in conversation.
- Wildebeest – Moves around in herds of his own kind. A defence mechanism against intruders.
- Mystery Man – Never really tells you what he does and talks in riddles.
- Magneto – Sticks close to you and follows you when you back away. No spacial awareness.
- Predator – Always on the hunt for victims he can sell to. Quickly loses interest when pickings are slim and hunts elsewhere.
- Human Brochure – Closely related to the Predator. Always willing to explain every aspect of his product or service in person.
- Foodie – Talks and eats simultaneously and leaves his legacy on your blouse or jacket.
- Performer – Life and soul of the party. Loves being the centre of attention. Likes people to listen rather than talk.
- Super Bore – Makes time stand still. Willing to share his entire back-catalogue of (long) stories.
- Nerd – Really into coding and assumes you are too.
- Darth Vader – Entices you over to the Dark Side. Business is always tough and he is cursed with the clients from hell.
- MLM (My Life’s Mission) – Network marketer. Hell bent on reducing your bills/softening your skin/elongating your life.
- Mayfly – Short life-span. Makes initial contact then disappears without a trace.
It is important for business networkers to take a genuine interest in people, asking great questions and listening attentively. But what is your key to business networking success?
