Wednesday 20 April 2011

Networking Snogging - does it deserve an apology?


Did you know that women apologise more often than men? Do you know why?

According to Scientific America it’s because we have a lower threshold for what we believe is a transgression & therefore apologise at times when men wouldn’t even register a transgression has occurred.

Speaking of transgressions …

I often wonder why so much need be written about network etiquette, surely the basic guidelines are those of normal human interactions, but perhaps not!

I was out networking the other night, nothing extraordinary, just the usual gathering of people and at the end of the evening came the standard round of goodbyes including protracted conversation at the doorway; last minute introductions to a few guests with promises to ‘catch up soon’. 

I was tired and just wanted to leave quickly but there was one last introduction to a man I just ‘had’ to meet.  The introduction was made and I perhaps a little wearily stuck my hand out for the appropriate handshake only to find myself being yanked towards him for a kiss.

‘I don’t believe in shaking hands with women, I believe in kissing them’ he proudly said and I shot him a quick “ a very convenient belief to have!” before exiting quickly.

It seemed a curious mismatch of expectation rather than a deliberate ploy to be slimy (on his part) but it’s a great example of why etiquette articles continue to be written. 

So here’s my network etiquette tip for the day –

PERSONAL SPACE IS SACROSANCT  - in the business sphere, male or female, it is not appropriate to pull someone in for a snog on the initial introduction.

Or is it?

Love to hear your thoughts.

Suzy Jacobs
Founder
SHE Business Australia

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