Keith Ferrazzi again imparts his wisdom on the subject of effective networking strategies:

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How to Look Like Less of a Jackass at Lunch Meetings

This is a pretty simple post in what might become a series (depending on the response).

As a freelance designer I work from my home (as I’m sure many of my readers do as well, even though many aren’t designers). As I’d like to make a good impression on all of my current and potential clients, I don’t invite them into my house when we have to get together to discuss a project. It’s just unprofessional.

So I’m often meeting clients for lunch. Over the years I’ve learned a few things about lunch meetings, some I’m sure you’ve heard, others I’m sure you haven’t. Just thought I’d take a few moments to share some of my secrets on how to avoid looking like a jackass during lunch meetings.

You Can Eat – But Eat Light

I don’t agree with all of the commentary I’ve seen suggesting that when on a lunch meeting you shouldn’t eat at all. I’ve been on both sides of the table. I can tell you that if I’m a buyer, I like it when the vendor I’m working with isn’t all business. Idle chit chat is nice, but nothing says informal meeting quite like shoving a sandwich into your face.

But don’t overdo it. You don’t want to look like a jackass, after all. A couple foods to avoid would be … Read the rest of this entry

Looking for some valuable networking advice to carry with you to your next networking event? Watch this video by Andrea Nierenberg for some good thoughts.