Networking is a crucial aspect of building a successful career or business. It’s about making meaningful connections, fostering relationships, and finding opportunities to grow personally and professionally. When you’re growing your brand and seeking new partnerships, looking for a new job, or just trying to expand your professional connections, getting out there and meeting new people is the way to do it. However, there are certain mistakes that can hinder your networking efforts and prevent you from achieving your goals. Here are 15 things not to do when networking:
Networking Mistakes to Avoid: How to Be an Effective Networker
Being Inauthentic: Authenticity is key to building trust and forming genuine connections. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or pretend to be interested in things you’re not passionate about. Being inauthentic will usually catch up to you, so just be your genuine self.
Ignoring Non-Verbal Cues: Pay attention to people’s body language and facial expressions. If someone seems disinterested or uncomfortable, it’s best to move on and find someone else to network with. Don’t hover or talk to folks that aren’t interested in getting to know you.
Being Overly Aggressive: Pushing your agenda too aggressively can turn people off. Take a more subtle approach and focus on building relationships rather than making immediate asks.
Talking Too Much: Networking is a two-way street. Listen more than you speak and show genuine interest in what others have to say. I’ve learned from experience that you’ll find out much more about someone when you ask questions and listen.
Not Following Up: After meeting someone at a networking event, follow up with a personalized message or email. This shows that you value the connection and are interested in continuing the conversation. Not following up or checking with folks in occasionally could result in the loss of opportunities.
Focusing Solely on What You Want: Networking is about mutual benefit. Instead of only thinking about what you can gain, consider how you can provide value to others as well.
Forgetting to Do Your Research: Before attending a networking event or meeting someone new, do your research. This will help you have more meaningful conversations and make a better impression. Contact the event organizer and obtain a list of attendees to help gauge who will be attending as well.
Not Asking for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice when networking. People are often willing to assist those who show initiative and humility. Being humble isn’t a weakness, it can be a great strength that turns into other opportunities.
Being Negative or Complaining: Negativity is a major turnoff in any social situation, including networking events. Keep the conversation positive and focus on finding common ground. Even if you don’t like where you are now, complaining can do more harm than good. Many industries are so small in term of network, so it’s not great when you’re known as ‘that person’ who brings down the mood of an event.
Not Being Prepared: Always have a clear idea of what you want to achieve when networking. This will help you make the most of your time and opportunities. A few examples of reasons network could include:
- Build Relationships: Networking events provide a platform to meet new people and form relationships with potential clients, customers, partners, or collaborators. These relationships can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, and referrals.
- Learn from Experts: Networking events often feature speakers or panel discussions where industry experts share their knowledge and insights. Attending these sessions can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your field.
- Share Ideas and Best Practices: Networking events are a great opportunity to share your own expertise and learn from others. Whether it’s through informal conversations or structured discussions, you can exchange ideas and best practices with fellow professionals.
- Find Mentors or Mentees: Networking events can be a great place to find a mentor or mentee who can provide guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career or business.
- Discover New Opportunities: Whether you’re looking for a job, a new client, or a business partner, networking events can help you discover new opportunities that you may not have been aware of otherwise.
- Improve Communication and Social Skills: Networking events provide an opportunity to practice and improve your communication and social skills, which are crucial for success in any industry.
- Stay Connected with Your Industry: Attending networking events allows you to stay connected with your industry and keep abreast of new developments, technologies, and trends.
- Build Your Personal Brand: Networking events provide an opportunity to showcase your skills, knowledge, and expertise, and build your personal brand in your industry.
- Find Support and Encouragement: Networking events can be a great source of support and encouragement, especially if you’re going through a challenging time in your career or business.
- Stay Motivated: Meeting other professionals who are passionate about their work can be a great source of motivation and inspiration to keep pushing forward in your own career or business.
Being Overly Transactional: Don’t treat networking as a transaction. Instead, focus on building meaningful relationships that can benefit both parties in the long run.
Not Following Through: If you promise to do something for someone or make an introduction, make sure to follow through. This shows that you’re reliable and trustworthy.
Not Being Open to New Ideas: Networking is a great opportunity to learn from others and expand your horizons. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore new ideas and perspectives.
Ignoring the Power of Follow-up: Following up after a networking event is crucial for maintaining connections and building relationships. A simple email or message can go a long way in solidifying a connection.
Not Being Genuine: Authenticity is crucial when networking. People can often sense when someone is being fake or insincere, so always strive to be genuine in your interactions.
In conclusion, networking is an essential skill for anyone looking to advance their career or grow their business. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can build more meaningful connections, foster stronger relationships, and open up new opportunities for success.