Some professionals love to network, and some do not. No matter what side of the spectrum you fall on, networking can play a significant role in your professional career. So can your networking mistakes and goofs.
Networking opportunities create connections that open up doors and opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise. When you are networking with other professionals, make sure you avoid these 12 mistakes, or else risk appearing unprofessional to your peers and superiors.
Networking Mistake #1: Showing Up Unprepared
When you participate in a networking event, do not come unprepared. Know your audience and have good questions ready. Being unprepared doesn’t leave a strong impression on anyone.
Instead, take some time to research the connections you’d like to make in the networking opportunity. Write down questions and your goals for your interactions.
Networking Mistake #2: Promoting Yourself Too Much
In the words of the famous poet (ok, country musician), Toby Keith:
I wanna talk about me
Wanna talk about I
Wanna talk about number one
Oh my me my
Truth is, no one enjoys talking with someone who talks about themselves too much. While it’s great to hear about other people, their stories, skills, and talents, it can also be draining. When networking, it’s important to talk about yourself so others understand who you are and what you offer, but also don’t speak of yourself too much.
Networking Mistake 3: Don’t Fail to Listen
Not only should you not talk about yourself too much, but you should also be careful to listen and pay attention. Listening is a critical part of conversations between two people. What you say is important, but how you listen is just as significant, if not more:
- Do your eyes glaze over as people are talking to you?
- Do you check out and miss what they have to say?
Failing to listen can leave an extremely negative impression on those you’re networking with. Don’t just be a good talker but also a great listener.
Networking Mistake #4: Forgetting Names
When you network, remembering those you’re meeting is vital. Remember their names and significant points about the conversation. A small but important detail from the conversation can help you remember the person’s name.
If necessary, take notes after each interaction to help you remember these important details. You will leave a lasting impression by remembering someone’s name and a connecting detail about them the next time you interact.
For example, if I meet Tom at an event and he mentions that he loves Disney World, I should remember that detail. Then the next time I see him, I can say, “Hey Tom! Great to see you again. Have you been to Disney World lately?”
Networking Mistake #5: Coming Across as Overly Aggressive
You don’t have to be aggressive while networking. Overly aggressive networking happens when we push too hard to make a connection. It can be a huge turnoff to those we’re hoping to connect with. Even more importantly, it can leave the other person feeling you are an unsafe person with whom to form a relationship.
When you are overly aggressive while networking, you can develop a reputation that is hard to shake later. Just remember, networking relationships can be very significant for your career, but you have to be patient with the process.
Networking Mistake #6: Being Dishonest
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who frequently told small lies? While some may consider these white lies to be harmless, as they build up, they can have a detrimental effect on your reputation.
Continuously telling minor lies – no matter how insignificant they might seem – can lead others to perceive you as an untrustworthy and dishonest individual. It’s important to prioritize truthfulness and honesty in your interactions with others to be regarded with great honor and respect.
Networking Mistake #7: Failing to Follow Up
The impressions made during a networking opportunity matter, but the follow-up after the fact can be even more significant. After you’ve made a connection, take the time to follow up, thank the person for their time, and let them know how excited you are about the opportunity to work together or connect again in the future. Failing to follow up is unprofessional and makes the connection less than memorable.
Networking Mistake #8: Just Gathering Names Instead of Making Connections
Networking is not about collecting names and business cards. The real goal of networking is to make meaningful connections. Remember, there is not a prize at the end of all of this for the person who collected the most names. Networks are great when they reach wide, but deeper and meaningful connections are far more significant. The connection is the prize, not the business card.
Networking Mistake #9: Showing Blatant Favoritism
Be careful not to show favoritism in your networking. Remember, people are not valuable based on their influence, salary, or status. They are valuable because they are people.
Once at a networking event, I noticed a woman in the background having trouble connecting. I walked over to her, introduced myself, and made her feel comfortable and welcome for the rest of the day. Little did I know, she was actually the leader of one of the most influential organizations represented. Treat all people like they’re valuable and they matter and you will make great connections!
Networking Mistake #10: Expecting Job Opportunities
When it comes to networking, it’s common to think of it as a quid pro quo situation, where if you help someone, they must help you in return. However, it’s important to manage your expectations. Going into a networking opportunity with the sole expectation of securing a great job offer can be counterproductive. It’s more beneficial to approach networking as a way to build relationships and learn from others, rather than just a means to an end.
Networking Mistake #11: Forgetting to Dress for the Occasion
You’ve heard the saying, “Dress for success”. Failing to dress properly for meetings and interactions can look unprofessional. Don’t be that person. This doesn’t mean you have to be dressed up in a suit or a fancy dress for every interaction, but present yourself well when you’re interacting with others. Show them that this opportunity matters to you and that it’s important. It doesn’t take a lot of effort, but make sure you put the effort in.
Networking Mistake # 12. Getting Distracted
Phones, other conversations, a waiter or waitress at another table, personal issues, or someone you might know sitting across the room are all distractions that can come up at any given moment. This is not an all-inclusive list but shows how many things can distract us.
When networking, ensure the other person feels seen by paying attention to them and avoiding distractions. When you allow the distraction of your phone or something else to get in the way, you subconsciously communicate that the other person is not that important. This can have a very negative impact on your networking opportunity and your ability to connect.
Networking Can Make or Break Your Career
Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, outgoing or shy, a go-getter, or more laid back, networking is an important part of your professional career. There are, however, so many mistakes that we can make when networking.
As you prepare for your next networking opportunity, remember this list of 12 networking mistakes that look unprofessional. Work on improving your networking experience by avoiding these 12 things.
