Networking Insight

Seven Networking Mistakes

When building relationships, it is important that you are effective and don’t make any mistakes when interacting with others. Of course, we have all probably made these before but pay attention so it doesn’t happen again. 

1. Selling your product/service – When talking with people, let them know more about you than your business. Don’t pitch them for your business since you will turn them off quickly.

2. Making bad introduction – Before you make a connection take the time to match the right people together. It needs to make sense that these people should meet, otherwise, it will be a waste of time and a poor reflection on you. In many instances, it is appropriate and beneficial to ask each party if there is interest before you make the connection.

3. Randomly handing out business cards – When attending an event, don’t just start handing out your business card to random people. You will come across as selling, which as mentioned above, is a turn off. It is better to wait until someone asks for your business card.

4. Behaving inconsistently – It is important that your brand and actions are consistent at all times and across all communication channels. You want to be remembered in a positive manner and not one of confusion.

5. Forgetting to follow-up – In order to build new relationships, follow-up is a must. Many people never follow-up, thus, missing out on various new relationships.  Be proactive and always follow-up with people who you want to get to know better.

6. Not letting others talk – During conversations, it is important that you let others talk without interruption. Be a good listener and listen for others’ needs so you know how you can help.

7. Not dressing appropriately – Before you attend an event, find out what the appropriate attire should be so you are dressed properly. If you can’t find this information ahead of time, then you can never go wrong with professional attire. You want to make sure that you are appropriately dressed at all times so you make a good first impression. 

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Expand Your Network by Bringing Others to You

Growing your network of people takes time. Many of the new connections that you will make will come from introductions and attending events. These strategies work but they are more reactive in nature and you don’t know when you will meet people this way. Therefore, employ some proactive strategies and have people gravitate towards you.

One of the best ways to get people to come to you is to host your own events or seminars.  Take the time to organize an event around your subject matter expertise so people will perceive you as an expert and want to hear you speak. Hosting your own events around a particular topic will help your brand.

In addition, you can host a happy hour type of event that has mostly open networking. With this type of event, people will see you as the organizer and someone who they want to get to know.  Most organizers of events are well-connected so it is good to seek out these people.

Spend time developing your brand online as well with blogging, Twiter, and social networking. With these strategies, people will find you especially if you have something interesting to say. The more activity that you participate in, the more people you will connect with in these systems.

With proactive networking strategies, you will put yourself in a great position to meet new people quicker than if you hope they come to you through passive strategies. It is good to try various methods so explore what works best for you.

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