SolveYourProblem Article Series: Networking
How To Successfully Network Yourself

Top 8 Networking Mistakes

Networking can help you build and develop potential business and social relationships. Learning how to network effectively can lead to success in both areas. Likewise, making mistakes can be harmful to ones career. Experts have identified eight of the most common mistakes to avoid when networking.

The first thing you want to avoid when networking is waiting too long to start. Many people only consider networking when they’ve lost their job. Waiting until you are unemployed is a huge mistake. Networking involves building and nurturing relationships, which takes time. Once you are jobless time is of the essence. Your main goal at that time will be to find employment and you will more than likely become frustrated and disappointed if you try to test your networking kills at that time.

You should also avoid being unprepared when networking. If you are attending a networking event you should know why you are going and the types of people that will be there. You should research specific contacts that may be there as well as prepare some conversation topics ahead of time. Keep in mind having a little bit of back ground knowledge about the people who are attending the event will make starting a conversation easier. As part of your preparation you should set up a thirty-second pitch. A pitch should be a fast way to introduce yourself and what you have to offer. Doing your homework and planning ahead will help you avoid the mistake of arriving unprepared.

Another networking mistake would be forgetting your business cards. You should always carry your business cards on you, but especially if you are attending a networking event. It appears on professional to give out your contact information on a scrap piece of paper or napkin. Doing so may discourage a contact from getting in touch with you in the future. Your business cards should be printed on quality material and you should give them out generously. The more cards you have circulating at any given time the more likely they will be useful.

Another mistake to avoid would be giving a potential business contact an unprofessional sounding email address. While cute or funny email addresses may be acceptable for your social life they are generally inappropriate in the business world.

When networking some people make the mistake of coming across as pompous. To effectively network, listening to others is just as important as promoting yourself. To avoid looking arrogant ask questions about others, offer advise, and don’t talk too much about how great you think you are. While a big part of networking is marketing yourself, it is important to know where to draw the line.

The sixth mistake you should avoid when networking is monopolizing all of someone’s time. Keep in mind, people attend these events to socialize and mingle. They may become annoyed if they feel you are dominating their entire evening.

Also avoid dressing down. You should present yourself professionally at networking events. This means dressing in appropriate attire, standing up straight, making eye contact, and practicing business etiquette. Remember though you may be at a party you goal is to build healthy business relationships. For this reason you should also try to limit your alcohol intake.

The eighth mistake to avoid is being passive at networking events. Be aggressive without being obnoxious. Persistence will show that you are interested and self assured. Ask follow up questions and remain engaged in the conversation, remaining passionate and enthusiastic.

Avoiding these eight common mistakes will surely help make your networking experience a success, and allow you to build advantageous relationships.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007

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