Networking. It's what you do to promote yourself and obtain referrals, meet new people, learn about the services they have to offer and how you can be of help to them, whether you are a business owner, someone who is employed by a company, or in the job seeking market.

I would like to share some observations from a recent networking meeting I attended:

• An individual chewing gum, mouth open, the entire time.  Smacking sounds optional.
  

• A nicely attired young man, white dress shirt, tie, slacks ...      and filthy sneakers.
  

• During his self-introduction, someone mentioned a competitor by name and blatantly insulted and criticized their practices in comparison.
  

• After introducing himself by professional title, an individual stated that he was there to network, "although I don't think any of you are of the caliber and client level I typically deal with."  Ouch!  You have no idea who I know or with whom I associate.
  

• 8 out of 14 people introduced themselves by first name only.     How do you want to be remembered? Use both of your names!
  

• As a follow-up to receiving my business card at the meeting, one person put me on their email list of informational updates. Possession of my card does not constitute permission to add me to an email list; that is SPAM and it is illegal (not to mention extremely irritating).
  

Keep in mind that these were simply my observations; this is not a result of any actual interaction I had with these people.