Awkward networking moments happen to every professional. I teach two three-hour public speaking classes at Rutgers University every Monday, and networking situations often come up in our discussions. The campus is in NJ, and I live in Florida, so I must catch a very early morning flight each week to teach the classes.
A couple of weeks ago, after my first class ended, a student asked if he could speak with me. This is an interesting student, so I braced myself.
“Has anyone ever told you that you look like a raccoon?” I chuckled. “What?” He said that I had black rings under my eyes and that I looked like a raccoon. Maybe after waking up at 3:00 am, getting to the airport at 4:30 am, and taking a 6:00 am flight, well, maybe he was onto something.
I said to the student, “Nobody else has mentioned this to me, but thank you for bringing it to my attention.” I smiled, probably chuckled, and walked over to the other students waiting for me. I wanted to ask, “Does anyone else think I look like a raccoon?”
Now, to be fair, the student who asked me about the raccoon thing is interesting, so perhaps ASD could be a factor. Still, funny.
How do we handle awkward moments in professional, even social settings? Awkward moments happen. In classrooms, at #businessnetworking events, meetings, and social functions, they could be anywhere.
Other than being asked if you look like a Procyonidae, here are my 10 favorite awkward networking moments and what to do about them!
INTRODUCING YOURSELF
Start with your name and a “nice to meet you!” Ask questions about them!
BRINGING OTHERS INTO THE CONVERSATION
“I’m sorry to interrupt. Have everyone met Tom?”
INTRODUCING OTHERS AND WALKING AWAY
After introducing others, excuse yourself and offer to speak to them later.
FORGETTING A NAME
Just ask! “I’m sorry; I forgot your name.” Be apologetic and self-effacing.
ASKING FOR BUSINESS CARD, CODE, E-CARD
Offer to exchange contact info and explain why it would benefit both of you.
WRITING ON SOMEONE’S BUSINESS CARD
Ask for permission, or use an index card, a small notebook, or your phone.
ENDING CONVERSATION
It depends on WHY. Run its course? Is there a next step or not? “Nice to meet you. If I can be a resource here, just let me know. See you soon.” Or “We can continue our conversation about…” Or “Would you like to meet Tom?” Only if there’s a benefit to both.
DOING SOMETHING WRONG
An apology will handle most mistakes. Just take responsibility and learn.
NOT CLICKING
We don’t vibe with everyone. Keep the conversation short, sweet, and move on.
DROPPING THE BALL
You met them the last time, made a promise, and didn’t follow up. Own it, apologize, and get the thing done ASAP.
Again, awkward moments happen. We all make mistakes. Remember, we never want to embarrass or hurt anyone’s feelings or create a bad reputation for ourselves. Or anyone else.
Raccoon stories aside, just laugh, right a wrong, learn, and be better the next time. That’s pretty much how all of life works.
Awkward, I know.
Awkward networking moments happen to every professional, whether at a classroom discussion, business networking event, meeting, or social gathering. The goal is not to avoid these situations but to handle them with awareness, professionalism, and a sense of humor. When we respond thoughtfully, even uncomfortable networking moments can become opportunities to build relationships, strengthen our communication skills, and create meaningful professional connections.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST AWKWARD NETWORKING MOMENT?
Comment, then Like! 🥊
