The six people you meet in networking hell

Networking events: a place to make good contacts or a waste of time? Depending on the event and how you approach it, it could be either. But one thing’s for sure. Every event you attend will present you with the same ridiculous cast of characters.

Don’t believe me? Take a look at the list and then take note at your next event.

1. Barbie and/or Ken. Let’s start with the best and possibly most pitiful. Barbie and Ken are almost always represented at these things, although sometimes you may only get one or the other. But they’re there, all dolled up, their skin stretched way tight across their face. Why do they attend? Because they want you to look at them, of course. Looking in the mirror does get old after awhile, doesn’t it? Oh, did I mention they are usually too old to try and look so young?

2. The leech. If you’re extremely unlucky, you’ve gotten caught by the leech before. This is a person who isn’t comfortable going up to new people and forming lots of connections. Instead, they will sense the easiest target, anyone who remotely shows any interest in them, and will attach themselves. Once they start sucking your blood, they’ll be with you the entire night, gravy training on all your conversations.