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It’s the end of the third quarter and it’s time to get serious about the end of the year. There are, after all, only 12 more Fridays until Christmas (as Buddy the Elf likes to remind us).

Before we get to the topic of the day (networking and “can I pick your brain?”), let’s talk #IPRMustKnow:

• Martin talks about Facebook Notes.
• Joe talks about Twitter taking away share numbers.
• Gini (me, myself, and I) talks about the ability to tweet polls.

And now, the topic of the day: Networking leeches.

A couple of weeks ago, the New York Times ran an article titled, “How Not to Be a Networking Leech: Tips for Seeking Professional Advice.”

It gave better advice than, “Stop asking me to pick my brain!”, which tends to be the reaction from nearly every professional services provider in the world.

Some of our favorite tips include:

• Go with a prepared list of questions;
• Don’t argue about their advice or point out why it wouldn’t work for you; and
• Don’t ask for intellectual property or materials.

Martin also adds his own tip that you’ll be sure to want to hear. And, I wrote about this on Spin Sucks and the comments are very interesting. So go check out “Thirteen Ways to Get the Best Out of Networking,” if you are so inclined.

This first appeared on Inside PR

About Gini Dietrich

Gini Dietrich is the founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich, a Chicago-based integrated marketing communications firm. She is the lead blogger at Spin Sucks and is the founder of Spin Sucks Pro. She is the co-author of Marketing in the Round and co-host of Inside PR. Full bio

About Martin Waxman

Martin Waxman, MCM, APR, is a digital, social media, and communications strategist and LinkedIn Learning instructor. He conducts AI research, leads social media workshops, and teaches digital strategy. He writes a Digital Marketing Trends newsletter on LinkedIn, is one of the hosts of the Inside PR podcast and can be found on Twitter @martinwaxman. Full bio

About Joe Thornley

Joseph Thornley, co-host of Inside PR, is CEO of Thornley Fallis and founder of 76engage. He is a past Chair of the Canadian Council of Public Relations Firms. Full bio