It should go without saying that you should be respectful of the other professionals you meet through networking. Most of these rules are pretty common sense, but I see most of them broken on an almost daily basis. It doesn’t take much to hurt a perfectly good relationship. Be respectful. Show up to your appointments on time, even a couple of minutes early Expect that you’re going to encounter some traffic and leave a few minutes early to account for it. Traffic is a pretty lame excuse. If you’re running late for a meeting, call Even if you’re going to be just a couple of minutes late to an appointment call and let them know. Especially if you’re meeting someone someplace. They were probably there early and will quickly wonder whether or not you’re going to even show up. Show up! Honor your commitments and make your appointments. It amazes me how often folks don’t make appointments and never even call. This is beyond common sense, but it happens all the time. Don’t answer your cell phone When you’re sitting in front of someone that has taken the time to meet with you there is almost never anything more important than them. Don’t answer your cell phone! It’s probably the most disrespectful thing you can do. If you are waiting for a call to close a $12 Million dollar deal or your wife is about to have a baby, simply tell the person up front that you might need to take that call. Don’t take anyone for granted Networkers start at different levels. Just because you’re not talking to the CEO doesn’t mean they’re not important. I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard of folks losing big deals because once 7 years ago they blew off a new junior person in an organization and now the run the show and will never forget what you did to them. Do what you say you’re going to do If you tell someone you’re going to do something after a meeting… Do it! Be sure you don’t set false expectations. If you’re not going to be able to do something, then say so. If you screw up, apologize and give people a second chance. Even the best of us sometimes screw up some of the most basic rules occasionally. When you do, own up to your gaf. Be humble and apologize. By the same token. If someone is disrespectful to you and makes the effort to own up to their mistake and apologize; please give them a second chance. Whether or not they get a third chance will be up to you. :) Happy networking! Scott IngramNetworkInAustin.com