Networking is the art of making the right connections to help you advance your career. However, not everyone is skilled or equipped for shaking hands and exchanging business cards. Even the most skilled networker can use some updated tips or tricks every once in a while.
5 Networking Mistakes and How to Correct Them.
- You are not consistent. Only making connections when you remember to hop on LinkedIn or finally decide to make it to that industry event for the first time all year can actually hurt your overall networking skills. Just like your job search you should schedule time for networking. Just once a week do these two tasks: connect with 5 individuals on LinkedIn, invite 1 contact to meet you for lunch or coffee. Choose one networking event a month in your community to attend.
- You are not prepared. When you are out in the community always carry your business cards, at a minimum. You never know who you will meet and it is always good to provide a way to stay connected. If you are at an industry event you should also have a copy of your resume in case the need arises to share it with a new contact.
- You are too focused on you. One of the biggest red flags in networking etiquette is to always focus on your needs. Networking needs to be a two way street to be successful. If you can help someone, help them. If you know of someone else who would benefit from meeting your new contact, facilitate a connection.
- You’re not up to date with networking technology. So many people make the mistake of dismissing social media as a viable networking tool. Saying that this is the way things have always been done sets you apart as someone uninterested in learning new things. At a minimum you need to establish yourself on LinkedIn but other online networking sites can also be beneficial.
- You’re not discerning enough. You don’t have to say yes to every person you meet. Not everyone can help you. This is especially true for online networking. Amassing hundreds of contacts does you little good if none of them can help you with your job search or connect you to the right people.
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