10 Big Networking Mistakes People Make
As we have said before, networking is an art and skill that can be learned. You can make your own mistakes and learn from them or you can learn from someone else’s. Here are some big networking mistakes that you might prefer to learn from rather than make:
1. Don’t join any organization solely to advance your own interests. Your motives will be obvious and your credibility (and reputation) will suffer.
2. Don’t make more withdrawals from your network accounts than you’ve deposited. Keep a running balance of what you have asked for and what you’ve delivered. Don’t overdraw your account!
3. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. See #2.
4. When someone in your network does something for you, thank them. Dinner, wine, a card, a phone call…just thank them. Do this and you’ll be remembered and they’ll extend themselves for you again.
5. Don’t ignore your voicemail messages. If someone needs your help, don’t procrastinate or ignore them because it’s going to take time you don’t feel you have. Just do it!
6. Don’t confuse your network with your company’s network. Your network has to be as good as or better than the company’s. You need an outsider’s view of your company to know how industry trends or mergers and acquisitions could affect your role. Also, a career network outside the company that you maintain continually is essential so if you are let go, you have an established network that can power you to your next job. The time to cultivate this network is BEFORE you are laid off.
7. Don’t let your network get old. As times change your network is only as good as the knowledge and information you put into it…keep your contacts current. Don’t let a quarter go by without some reach out to the key players in your network.
8. Don’t waste opportunities to reach out. There are people in your network you don’t see for extended periods. When you’re in their area, even if you’re just between flights and can’t see them, call them up, tell that you’re in the airport, thought of them and just wanted to touch base and see how they’re doing.
9. Don’t neglect them when they’re down. It’s easy to call someone to congratulate them when things are going well. But, we often hesitate to call someone when we learn they’ve lost their job or their marriage or a big contract. This is the time to offer them any help you can. If it’s a job, can you connect them with someone you know? It lightens their burden to know that they’ve got someone willing to help, and they won’t forget it.
10. Don’t forget to spread your good news. Whether it’s a promotion or a change in companies or you just joined Rotary or started coaching little league, tell your network. You can send an email or a handwritten card and/or update your social media site (Facebook, LinkedIn). It’s an opportunity to stay in touch; it tells them that you’re growing your skills and connections (i.e. you may be able to provide more value to them).
