Happy St Patrick’s Day!
St Patrick Drove the Snakes Out of Ireland — But Are You Driving People Away at Business Networking?
Top O The Morning To You All!
And we hope you’re wearing green.
Every year on St Patrick’s Day, people across the world celebrate Irish culture, good fortune, and the legendary story of St Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland.
While historians debate whether Ireland ever actually had snakes, the story remains a powerful symbol of removing negative influences and making space for something better.
But it raises an interesting question for business owners and professionals who attend networking meetings:
Are there habits or behaviours that might be quietly driving people away from you at networking events?
Business networking is one of the most effective ways to build relationships, create opportunities, and grow your reputation. But sometimes, without realising it, we develop behaviours that make connections harder rather than easier.
So in the spirit of St Patrick’s Day, let’s look at the “networking snakes” that might be slithering into your conversations — and how you can make sure your approach attracts people rather than sending them running for the nearest exit.
1. Talking Only About Yourself
One of the most common networking mistakes is turning every conversation into a monologue about your own business.
It’s understandable — after all, you attend networking meetings to promote what you do. But when a conversation becomes one-sided, it quickly loses its balance.
Good networking is a two-way conversation, not a sales presentation.
Instead of focusing entirely on what you do, try asking thoughtful questions:
- What kind of work do you enjoy most in your business?
- What projects are you currently working on?
- What challenges are you seeing in your industry?
When people feel heard and valued, they’re far more likely to remember you — and recommend you to others.
2. Being Too Sales Focused Too Quickly
Imagine meeting someone for the first time and immediately launching into a hard sales pitch. It rarely feels comfortable.
Networking works best when it focuses on relationships first and business second.
People want to get to know who you are before they decide whether they trust you enough to work with you.
Instead of pushing for immediate business, focus on building rapport. Share insight, listen carefully, and look for opportunities to help others.
Ironically, the less aggressively you try to sell, the more likely opportunities will naturally appear.
3. Delivering the Same Pitch Every Time
If you attend networking meetings regularly, it’s easy to fall into the habit of repeating the exact same pitch week after week.
While consistency is important, repetition can make your introduction feel mechanical and less engaging.
People connect more easily when your introduction feels fresh and relevant.
Try varying your pitch by:
- Sharing a recent client success story
- Highlighting a common problem you solve
- Offering a useful tip related to your work
By changing the angle slightly each time, you keep your message interesting while still promoting your business effectively.
4. Not Paying Attention to the Room
Networking isn’t just about speaking — it’s also about observing.
Some people arrive at events with a fixed script and focus solely on delivering their message without noticing what’s happening around them.
The most effective networkers pay attention to:
- The mood of the room
- Who may be new or standing alone
- Opportunities to introduce people to each other
Being aware of the environment helps conversations flow naturally and makes you appear more approachable and helpful.
5. Forgetting to Follow Up
A great conversation at a networking meeting is only the beginning.
If you don’t follow up afterwards, the connection often fades quickly.
Following up doesn’t need to be complicated. A simple message can make a big difference:
- Thanking someone for the conversation
- Connecting on LinkedIn
- Sharing a useful resource
- Arranging a follow-up coffee or meeting
These small gestures demonstrate professionalism and help turn introductions into genuine relationships.
6. Not Showing Genuine Interest
People can usually tell when someone is simply waiting for their turn to speak.
If you’re distracted, checking your phone, or scanning the room while someone else is talking, it can make the conversation feel rushed or insincere.
Genuine interest is one of the most powerful networking skills you can develop.
Maintaining eye contact, listening actively, and responding thoughtfully shows respect — and it helps build trust much faster.
7. Taking Networking Too Seriously
While networking has a professional purpose, it doesn’t have to feel formal or intimidating.
Some of the strongest business relationships start with simple, relaxed conversations.
A little humour, a shared story, or a lighthearted moment can make you far more memorable than a perfectly rehearsed pitch.
Networking should feel human. When you relax and enjoy the process, others feel more comfortable doing the same.
Driving Out the Networking Snakes
The legend of St Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland reminds us that sometimes small changes can transform an environment.
In networking, removing the habits that push people away allows something far more valuable to grow: authentic connection.
By focusing on:
- Listening as much as speaking
- Building relationships before selling
- Staying curious about others
- Following up consistently
You create an approach that naturally attracts people rather than driving them away.
St Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, community, and a little reflection on good fortune.
When it comes to business networking, good fortune often comes from simple habits: being approachable, showing genuine interest, and contributing positively to the room.
At Simply Business Club, we believe networking should feel welcoming, collaborative, and purposeful. When business owners support each other and build real relationships, opportunities grow naturally.
So this St Patrick’s Day, take a moment to think about the networking habits you want to keep — and the “snakes” you might want to send packing.
Sláinte — and happy networking!
Simply Business Club want to get you along to one of our upcoming Face-to-Face or Online Business Networking meetings soon
At Simply Business Club, our aim is clear: to bring business owners together in a way that fosters genuine relationships and delivers real, measurable results.
Whether your goal is to increase your visibility, establish yourself as a trusted authority, or create partnerships with lasting value, our meetings are designed to help you network with intent. Every event provides the space for confident collaboration, meaningful conversation, and the exchange of ideas that support real business growth.
What sets SBC apart from many networking groups across the UK is the atmosphere we’ve created. It’s welcoming, relaxed, and truly supportive — a place where discussions flow naturally, ideas are shared openly, and trust develops through honesty, respect, and authentic connection.
Our members represent every stage of the business journey, from ambitious start-ups and solo professionals to established and expanding SMEs. What brings them together is a shared belief that success is stronger when it’s shared. This outlook has helped shape Simply Business Club into a thriving community built on collaboration, encouragement, and collective progress.
Joining Simply Business Club isn’t about gathering contacts for the sake of it. It’s about creating meaningful opportunities, gaining fresh perspectives, and becoming part of a vibrant entrepreneurial network where both businesses — and the people behind them — are supported to grow and succeed together.
Contact us at Simply Business Club today and learn more about our upcoming business networking meetings.