Your professional network is a valuable tool that can help you find lucrative opportunities and move up the ranks of your company much faster than you expected. Unfortunately, many business professionals struggle with networking. Several networking mistakes can hurt your chances of building a strong network of connections, making it more difficult for you to advance your career. Try to avoid these networking mistakes at all costs.
1. Missing Opportunities
It is not easy to meet new contacts if you do not introduce yourself to anyone at conferences, mixers and other events. If you attend a networking event, commit to introducing yourself to at least three new people. On the other end of the spectrum, talking too much is also a mistake. It is nice to talk to new contacts, but do not overwhelm them with information. Take time to listen to their interests and learn about what they do. Most professionals do not want to maintain relationships with people who are so focused on their own needs that they do not stop to listen once in a while.
2. Displaying Poor People Skills
In addition to being a good listener, do not interrupt people when they are talking to you. Like many networking mistakes, interrupting others is a sign of poor listening skills. It does not matter if you have a great idea or the perfect solution to a problem; you need to wait your turn to speak. One of the biggest networking mistakes you can make is to comment on the way other people look, so avoid the temptation to point out the pretty woman in the corner or the buff guy handing out business cards. Better yet, avoid bringing up any topic that is inappropriate for a professional event.
3. Dressing Inappropriately
How you dress for a networking event says a lot about you as a professional. Do not make the mistake of dressing down in jeans or shorts, especially if you work in a field such as law, accounting or politics. If a suit is too formal for your event, wear something that makes you look polished. Men can never go wrong with dress slacks and a button-down shirt; women should stick with conservative pants and tops, skirts and blouses, or work-appropriate dresses. Try to keep makeup, jewelry and perfume to a minimum.
4. Expecting Too Much
One of the most common networking mistakes is expecting a new contact to help you immediately. When you meet someone new, you should take time to build a trusting relationship. If you ask for a favor 10 minutes after you meet, the other person is likely to feel used. Do not expect anything from your new contact until you have known each other for at least a few days. After a networking event ends, do not hurt your chances of building a strong professional network by being too persistent. While it is okay to follow up with an email or phone call, do not contact the same person over and over again.
Networking can help you identify new opportunities in your industry or learn about exciting new careers. Do not hurt your chances of success by making networking mistakes that damage your credibility and make people doubt your professionalism.
Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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