What Happens if You’re Sitting Next to the Snobs?

by Jennifer Gniadecki on June 6th, 2008

Continuing our series of “What happens if you’re sitting next to…..” detailing what kinds of people you end up sitting with at a networking event, and what to do about it.

The Snobs

People who think they’re too good for the event. Don’t bother wondering why they showed up, it’s because they don’t have anything better to do. But you wouldn’t know it by all the big-name appointments with well-to-do potential clients and all the great deals in the pipeline.

Share your business or job qualifications with them like you would anyone else. They may seem bored, and they may actually be bored, but under the manicured and bored exterior there may be an eager person that needs your help! You won’t know unless you try, and if you’re already sitting there, you might as well.

Conclusion

Ultimately, no matter who you’re sitting with, you can make the best of it. Don’t write off a networking event before it’s over, because some of my best connections have been made in the last ten minutes of an event. Most people aren’t at 100% right from the minute the event starts and they will show their worst side first, with the good side gradually showing through as they loosen up and become less nervous.

Look for a table that is seated with people that look friendly and approachable. If you can try to get to an event a little early to talk to some people, you might find someone you would like to get to know better and sit next to them. If you do end up at a table that’s less than ideal, just remember there’s always some mingling after the sitting.

Even if there isn’t, who knows, you might find someone that needs your help, even if it’s at a less-than-perfect table.

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