Millennials’ worst networking blunders to avoid

Even if you think you’ve mastered the art of professional schmoozing, there’s always more to learn—and that includes shedding some bad habits.

You’d think that after writing so many articles about networking (here, here and here), by now I would be a pro at the whole meet-and-greet, shake-a-hand, give-a-card/take-a-card, chat-up-then-shut-up-and-listen-up thing.

Yes, well. That’s what I thought, too.

I’m still struggling. So are a lot of people my age (Generation Y, in case you’re wondering).

Here are some common mistakes to avoid, the next time you find yourself squinting at a scrawled nametag and awkwardly balancing a glass of $3 wine and a plate of Swedish meatballs in one hand.

Get off your phone

We all have phones. We all have people to call, friends to text, Facebook updates to read, but standing constantly checking your phone is just lame. Nobody is going to talk to you if you’re talking to Siri.

Ditch your friends

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