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.
# # # # # SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
> Home > Networking
Articles: Main Page
|
