Growing up, my Mum had a list of ‘things that are appropriate and things that are most definitely not appropriate’ for social occasions. Before she dropped me at a party she ran through a list of do’s and dont’s.

Do use your manners, don’t eat too much sugar, don’t try and be the center of attention, do include everyone in the games, do use everyone’s name, do be mindful of other peoples feelings and the big one… do have fun.

My brother and I would listen as she rattled off the list, subtly pulling faces at each other.  Subtle, because we didn’t want to jeopardise our opportunity for fairy bread and pass the parcel.

Those lessons were hardwired into my brain, because now as an adult [who still pulls faces at her brother and loves fairy bread], I use Mum’s list as a guide for most business networking occasions.

Most of us working in the franchising sector are regularly called on to attend a range of networking events… industry breakfasts, briefings, training sessions, conferences and award presentations.

Networking can be a valuable way of connecting to like-minded, helpful people … or, it can be horrible, awkward yawn fest. In my experience, attending franchising events are enjoyable. It’s an opportunity to catch up with good people from a variety of businesses in a non-competitive space. We are a tribe, a tight knit community of professionals dedicated to good franchising.  

I find attending franchise networking events more meaningful when I go in with the right attitude, and practice the basic good manners drummed into me.

So, here are some tips for making the most of networking in our sector:

• Be the brand. You are representing your company, your brand. Remember to be on message, live the vision and values of your business. Keep yourself tidy and don’t be the drunk everyone avoids. Bring business cards and look sharp in your brand’s corporate wardrobe.
   
• Mind your Ps and Qs. As I mentioned earlier, the franchise sector is a tribe. Everyone knows everyone. There may be six degrees of separation between you and Kevin Bacon … in franchising there will only be one degree. If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all. Always be respectful when discussing your franchisees, your co-workers and other franchise systems. Be mindful of commercially sensitive information and steer clear of gossip.
   
• Be a giver, not a taker. Go to a franchise networking event thinking of what you can contribute, as opposed to what you can get out of it. Ask yourself ‘how will I be able to help the people I meet?’ Ditch the sales pitch or job hunting mission and focus on making a genuine connection with the people you meet.
   
• Learn to fly solo. Going to an event on your own? No problem! Be prepared to introduce yourself to everyone on your table and have a few opening lines for when you join a group, or approach someone standing by themselves. Coffee is the ultimate ice breaker. Make a comment on how coffee is always bad at these things, and are they going to risk it? That kind of thing…
   
• Use the Bridget Jones introduction technique. The technique is simple and effective, immortalized in the great movie of the same name. When chatting in a group, introduce people with how you know them and something interesting that might connect them … ‘Ringo, this is George. George and I worked together in Melbourne. You both play in a band’. And whoosh they immediately have something to talk about. Social lubricant. Nice one Ms Jones.
   
• Be present in the conversation. Don’t be looking over their shoulder all the time seeing if someone more important is in the room. It’s rude. They will notice.
   
• Talk less, listen more. Make it about them. Not you. Nothing engages people more than talking about themselves. Give them the floor and let them talk. Encourage them with great questions and see what you can learn about them.  
   
• The exits are here, here and here. Have some polite exit lines planned … ‘Excuse me, John, I’ve just got to pop to the loo/grab a drink/make a call’. One of my favorites is… ‘it was great to meet you Paul, there are a few other people I want to catch up with. Enjoy the rest of the event’ … make like Teflon and slide outta there. If you spit and stumble over your exit line, or make up an elaborate fib they’ll know you’re making an excuse and may feel bad. Be genuine. Be cool. Move on.|
   
• The integrity of follow up. If you’ve swapped cards with the intent of following up, then do it. The franchise tribe is small and tight. Aim to have people say the right things about you and how helpful you are.  

Maya Angelou summed it up perfectly with this ‘People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel’. Make your networking about other people. What you can do for them. And see what happens… oh and remember to always share the fairy bread.

What manners did you have drummed into you as a child? How have they helped your networking skills at franchise functions?