3 minute read
ETIQUESTIONS
Dr. Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa
When I am at an event, and someone comes up to me to talk, I am often distracted by all the people walking around. I want to make sure I see everyone. Is it rude to not want to spend too much time with any one person?
This is a great question that we get asked often. While networking is important, it is also important to keep in mind the impression you are making on the person you are speaking to. Try always to be present, make eye contact, and listen. You will have plenty of time to see other people, but make sure that you are making a great impression on those who are speaking with you. Give them your attention, or else risk making the wrong impression.
It is almost gala season again, and I attend many galas during the year. However, I want to be able to use my time at the galas for networking. What is one etiquette rule I should keep in mind?
Attending galas and other social functions is a great way to network. One thing to keep in mind when networking at a gala is that you want to meet people. Keeping that in mind, don’t sell! Galas and networking events are usually not the time nor place to sell your product or service. Instead, build the relationship, and you will see if it will lead to more sales eventually.
I recently attended a conference, and I was sitting at a table of wonderful women who really wanted to talk during the presentations. I felt so bad for the speakers because it seemed no one was listening. Is it rude to ask the women at my table to be quiet?
Yes, it is rude for the audience to not pay attention to the speakers. Instead of asking the women at your table to be quiet, I recommend not engaging in the conversation. Show, by example, that you are interested and listening to the speakers. You may even gesture that you find the speaker’s content interesting. After the conference, you can always say, “I found it so hard to hear the speakers with all the noise in the room.” As you plan for your next conference, keep in mind who you will be sitting with to avoid the issue in the future.
Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Ph.D. is a wife, mother, and educator living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. In addition, she holds an Associate of Arts degree in Education from McLennan Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas – Pan American, and a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision from the University of Texas – Pan American. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa’s current research is focused on servant leadership, gender issues in leadership, and leadership communication. www.leadershipempowermentgroup.com
