Before we get into the nitty-gritty of networking mistakes, let’s explore what networking is and what it isn’t.

What Networking Isn’t

Networking is not standing around chit-chatting about your career at a party.

It is not standing around waiting in a corner hoping that somebody will come over and talk to you.

Networking is not handing somebody your business card and walking away patting yourself on the back for handing out yet another card.

Being a know-it-all is not networking.

Simply connecting on LinkedIn so you can happily cheer about having a large number of connections is not networking.

Networking isn’t easy.

Lastly, it is not a monologue.

What Networking Is

Networking is a dialogue.

Networking is using connections to get a job or to grow your business.

It can also help you move up in your current workplace.

Networking is a give and take.

Networking is building relationships and trust.

“Networking is a deliberate activity to build, reinforce and maintain relationships of trust with other people to further your goals. Professional networking is simply networking focused on professional goals.” – Andrew Hennigan, Networking speaker, trainer, coach. Author of “Pay Forward Networking”

Now that we have a basic understanding of networking, what are the 3 networking mistakes?

Mistake #1

The biggest networking mistake is a lack of follow-up. It is so easy to get caught up in life and a follow-up is forgotten.

To fix this mistake, put a system in place to ensure you will always remember the follow-up.   

  • Put a block of time on your calendar once a week to either send a note or call one of your contacts.
  • Create a spreadsheet with a list of names and contact information, making it easy to get the information.
  • Use a CRM to continue to follow up with your contacts and provide them with valuable information that only YOU can provide
  • Mark and date who you’ve contacted and who you haven’t.  

When you do make the first follow-up, absolutely do not try to sell anything which leads us to the next mistake.

Mistake #2

The second mistake occurs when your focus is on just getting clients, sales, a job, etc. . . . ( you fill in the blank)  instead of making valuable relationships.

This mistake can be fixed by having no hard sell at the beginning of your new relationship. Get to know the person. Don’t just grab business cards. People like to talk about themselves especially when they are at a networking event. You know they are there for a reason. Ask them first what their business is.  They will be happy that you asked about them and usually when they finish they will ask you about your business. Have a short elevator pitch ready. Remember networking is a dialogue, not a monologue.

Provide value to your new connection. Ask them about some of the problems they are struggling to overcome. Be their solution!

The more you help them the more they will help you.

Mistake #3

It is not all about you!  Generally, you are networking because you want to improve your situation.  It takes an effort to switch your thinking to other people instead of yourself.

At a networking event, do not monopolize someone’s time. Remember everyone is attending the event for a reason. Never barge into the middle of someone else’s conversation.

Fortunately, this mistake is easy to fix:  listen. After your first connection, you can share your life story later as you start to build trust.

Always remember to say thank you. Being courteous can keep you at the top of the mind for new contact because there are many people out there making this mistake. Don’t you always remember the one who was nice to you? Write a thank you card with specific details from your first conversation.

Networking can be difficult and draining. However, by avoiding these 3 common mistakes, you will be well on your way to enjoying successful networking.