Networking events are great for expanding the circle of people who you can learn from and who may be able to help you in the future.

But treating a networking event as a sales seminar, or expecting favors from other people at the event, can lead to disaster.

Here are five things you should never do at business networking event:

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1. Sell your products and services

Networking is about meeting people with a focus on learning from them and potentially helping them if and when you can. NOT pitching your products and services. The “helping them if you can” part may take some time. Remember, you're just getting to know the people you meet! Take a few notes, ask a few questions and offer a few ideas. Follow up with them if you feel a good connection and start to develop a relationship. If they like you, they'll help you right back. That's the way it works.

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