Avoid These Common Networking Mistakes
By: Lauren Marsicano
Insta: @networkingmaverick
Avoid These Common Networking Mistakes
Networking is a skill that needs fine-tuning. It’s not about having a drink and chatting with someone. Or handing out business cards without following up. It’s about meeting people and building relationships that will be mutually beneficial for everyone. But there are some mistakes you could be making that might be keeping you from maximizing your networking efforts.
Let’s go over some common networking mistakes to avoid.
Under Dress
This tip goes for both virtual and in-person events. People see you before they speak to you, so consider your clothes to be your first impression. Make sure to consider what kind of event you will be attending, and dress accordingly.
Also, an outfit can make or break your confidence. It’s no secret that people gravitate towards people who look good, are poised, and well-dressed. Find a power outfit, and go network like the King, Queen, or Non-Binary Royalty you are!
Forget Your Elevator Pitch
It is not a good idea to make up your elevator pitch on the spot. You will come off as unprepared, and discourage potentially great connections. Do this instead - come up with three or four sentences that sum what you do. From the moment people start a conversation, they are looking for a way out of it. So make your elevator pitch is clear, concise, and engaging. Practice it every day for at least a week before the event, so you can deliver it with finesse and sell yourself effectively.
Forget Your Business Cards
Have professional-looking business cards on hand. Even if you have to spring a few extra bucks for thicker cardstock or a fancy finish, you want to make sure you’re proud of the cards you are giving out. Also, keep in mind that a lot of people are going green, so it’s a good idea to have a digital business card or a QR code ready to go, just in case.
Only Talk About Yourself
Don’t spend too much time talking about yourself. Like any other conversation, there should be a back-and-forth dialogue. Express genuine interest in the person you are speaking with. Ask them questions about themselves, and think of ways to help them. Is there a problem you can help them solve? What connections can you facilitate that gets them closer to their goals? If you help others, they’ll remember you, and will be more likely to help you in return.
Overlook People
Everyone at a networking event has the potential to make your business goals a reality. Ok, this won’t be true for everyone you meet. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat everyone with that same level of courtesy. You never know if people can connect you to someone who will be able to make your dreams come true. Or, they might even contact you months down the line with a great opportunity. You just never know, so do not overlook or dismiss anyone.
Stick with Your Group or One Person
Be open to speaking to new people. That’s the whole point of going to these events - to make new connections. Walk around, mix, and mingle. And do not monopolize anyone’s time. Give them the space to speak to others too.
Look at Your Phone Too Much
Our phones can be a security blanket. It’s easy to just pick it up and start browsing social media or texting friends. But that’s not why you network. You network to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. Limit the amount of time you look at your phone, and look around for people to talk to.
Speak Negatively
Avoid talking negatively about anything. The weather. Bad bosses. Annoying colleagues. Personal problems. Controversial topics - such as religion, politics, diets, etc. Steer clear of these. Keep the conversation positive to keep the mood pleasant and light.
Ask For Too Much Too Soon
Many people wait until they need work or a job to start networking. This means that they start asking for introductions, favors, and referrals way too soon. It turns people off and does not help build trust.
Avoid this mistake by staying in contact with people in your network, and attending events to make new connections. People will only help you if they like and trust you, so keep those connections close.
Another thing you can do to help build business relationships is to make it a personal rule to give before asking. Inquire what challenges they are facing. Ask how you can help them achieve their goals. Learn about, and help them, to build up a good relationship before asking for any favors.
Always seize opportunities to add value.
Forget to Follow Up
Send your new connection a message within 48 hours of meeting them to thank them for taking the time to speak to you. Include details of where and how you met in that initial message. Sometimes people network a lot, and they might forget. You want to make it easy for them to remember you to keep the conversation natural and flowing. It’s important to follow through with whatever you said you were going to do. Introduce them to that person you said you would. Send that article you said you’d share. If you don’t follow through they may feel rejected. So follow through to make a good impression.
If the person is someone who could be a particularly valuable asset to your network, invite them to a coffee, lunch, or video chat. Keeping the relationship digital will not be enough to really make that connection go beyond the casual online acquaintance. Meeting a person once does not equate to making a connection. You have to build a relationship, and trust, to truly consider someone part of your network.
Forget to Say, “Thank You”
Following this simple business etiquette tip can make all the difference in creating and maintaining important connections. Always remember to thank your contacts. Whether they are able to help you or not, thank them. A lot of people feel that it is rude to forget to thank someone. If you do not take the time to thank them, they will undoubtedly not take the time to help you. Give people in your network credit where it is due, and always thank them for their time.
Now that you know which mistakes to avoid, you can go out and make some strong lasting connections. To learn how to network better, click here to read “9 Tips to Networking Like a Maverick.”
Happy Networking!