[editorial note: This is the original version, as published back in July of 2009.  As with all good things, it's been updated over time.  You can find the most recent version here: http://www.ITinTheD.com/2697/the-new-and-improved-10-commandments-of-networking/ ]

As I sit here watching History of the World, Part 1 for, oh, it must be the 8,173rd time...it dawned on me.

If Mel Brooks can use the Ten Commandments to completely crack me up every time I watch his film, then surely I can use them to help those asking "What's networking?"

(it's when a bunch of people get together with a common purpose...and, I know...don't call you "Shirley")

Yeah, sorry.  I watched Airplane!, too.

Anyway, so as I sit here answering emails from folks after our last networking event on the 16th and those starting to filter in about our Pink Slip Party on August 27th (and, yes, watching old comedies that I've seen a bajillion times), I thought I would take the time to put my thoughts towards another Don't Be That Guy blog entry...because as Mel would surely agree...we've all met That Guy that breaks them.  And so I give unto you these fifteen...[shatter]...oops...ten.  Yes, TEN Commandments...for all to obey.

(and if you don't catch that reference, do yourself...and me...a favor.  go rent History of the World, Part 1.  Immediately)

1.  Thou Shall Understand The Importance Of Networking. This one blows up in people's faces.  A lot.  We all know "That Guy".  The person that you've tried to get out to a networking event (ours or another) so that they can meet people.  Or maybe you just wanted to get them out for drinks with a few people from work.  Or maybe there's a recruiter that you invited them to come along for lunch and meet.  But they always have a reason not to go.  They're too busy.  There's too much work.  There's something else that needs to be done.  They don't want to.  Whatever the reason...they never seem to make it.  And then...and this happens so many times...suddenly they need to network.  They get fired.  They get laid off.  The company closed.  Whatever the reason...now they're the ones ringing your phone off the hook and filling up your inbox asking when the next event is, or can they have the name of that recruiter again?  The one that always comes to mind for me is a guy that I tried to talk into coming to a ITintheD.com event for seven months, and he always had a reason that he couldn't make it.  And then he got fired.  At the end of the day on the very day that his wife went into labor.  Guess who called me from the parking lot of the hospital the next morning as he drank a coffee after watching his son come into the world to make sure that the ITintheD.com event was still taking place the next night?  Bingo.

2.  Beware of False Prophets. There are many kinds of networking events out there.  Some are designed to help you find jobs.  Some are designed to convince you to cash out your savings to start selling some freaky new juice to your friends and co-workers.  Some are designed to be a support group to let you talk with other unemployed folks to compare notes.  Some are introductory events for multi-level marketing "systems".  Don't get us wrong - if those events are what you're looking for, then we hope they work out for the best for you.  Just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into beforehand.  Just because they call themselves a "networking event", or "Job Fair" or even a "Pink Slip Party" doesn't mean that they're what you're looking for.  We've all made the mistake of not asking enough questions before attending an event...and it usually doesn't turn out well.  Remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is, and don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable before showing up.  Especially when you're in an immediate need,