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Networking is an essential skill, yet most of us have a lot of room for improvement when it comes to making connections. If you’re trying to expand your network, you may be making common networking faux-pas and not even realizing it.
In this article, we’ll give you the complete run-down on the networking mistakes preventing you from making new connections and how to avoid them. Keep reading to become a pro networker.
The 18 common networking mistakes
1. Not networking
This may be obvious, but the most common and most important mistake most people make is not networking at all. From not knowing where to start to a lack of time, there are many excuses for not growing your network, but it’s time to leave them in the past.
Effective networking starts now. Whether you’re happily employed, on the hunt for a new job, or looking to level up your career, a strong network can help. Relationships should be built before asking for help, so don’t wait to network until you need something.
2. Not dressing the part
While we might wish people wouldn’t judge a book by its cover, how you present yourself can profoundly affect a first impression. So next time you head into a networking conversation, make sure you look the part.
If you’re unsure what dressing the part looks like, that's okay. It doesn’t always have to mean formal business attire. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable and confident, and focus on looking clean and professional.
3. Having an attitude
Most people sense when the other person doesn’t want to get to know them. If you’re going into networking conversations with an attitude that makes people think you don’t truly want to be there, you’re unlikely to make many lasting connections.
Before heading into a networking conversation, focus on the positive reasons you’re there and create a positive space for getting to know each other.
4. Not exchanging information
You made a new connection! That’s great, but not if you forgot to swap contact information. Finding people on LinkedIn after the fact can be like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially if you only caught their first name.
Show up prepared to make a lasting impression with a quality business card. Network the modern way with a digital business card. Not only will you never forget your business card again, but you’ll be able to manage your entire network from one address book.
5. Coming unprepared
Walking into a networking conversation with no idea what to say, what your goal is, or what you’re looking for is a recipe for disaster—and a whole lot of awkward pauses. Before jumping into networking, make sure you’ve practiced your introduction, brushed up on a few networking tips, and practiced how you want to present yourself.
6. Not asking questions
People want to feel like you are interested in them, and if all you do is talk about yourself, that’s a quick way to ensure a short-lived relationship. Rather than waiting for them to start talking about themselves on their own, try asking them first.
If you’re not sure what to ask, you aren’t alone. Try one of our ice breaker questions to kick-start getting to know them.
7. Not being honest
It can seem easy to embellish a bit here and there to make yourself look better, but in the end, those little white lies often come out, and they have the potential to cause severe damage. You risk damaging your relationship with that person and potentially anyone within their network too.
8. Not using your current network
Your current network might not be able to offer the assistance you are looking for, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know someone who can. Never overlook your current network when looking to make new connections. Try reaching out to your network and asking for an introduction.
9. Monopolizing their time
While networking is an opportunity to take the time to get to know someone, be careful not to take too much time. For many people making time for networking can be a chore. Most of us are rushing from one activity to the next, hardly taking time to breathe, and adding networking time to the list can be difficult.
Whether you’re at a networking event, emailing, or meeting up for coffee, be careful not to take too much time. At networking events, keep conversations between five and ten minutes. Emails should be a few sentences and keep replies minimal. If you’re meeting up for coffee or meeting virtually, set a time limit between 15 and 30 minutes.
10. Asking for too much
While networking isn’t only about asking for favors, sometimes you do need to ask your network for help. Asking for help the right way is essential to maintaining long-term relationships and improving your odds of getting the help you need.
The best networking etiquette is to keep any requests simple and never expect the answer to be yes.
11. Talking too much
Every conversation should be a two-way street. Spending the entire conversation talking about yourself is a surefire way to end up never talking to them again. Try to spend at least half of the conversation actively listening to them.
12. Never taking notes
Remembering small details and personal information from networking conversations is a great way to lead future outreach and deepen connections. Unfortunately, most of us aren’t gifted with a fantastic memory to keep track of every conversation.
The good news is that with a smart address book, you can add notes to every contact to help keep track of the little things. So you can remember to ask how their black lab Lucy is doing.
13. Focusing on the big catch
Many people start networking to connect with those in roles above their own. This is often because they are perceived as having more value. Not only can this make you look bad to people who are in higher positions, but you may also be missing out on valuable opportunities to network with people who may have less experience.
Just because someone doesn’t have hiring influence or mentorship experience doesn’t mean they can’t be an excellent addition to your network. After all, you never know who they might be able to connect you with.
14. Not being grateful
Getting help from a networking connection is never a given, yet many people ask for help as if they deserve it. While many of these people may not feel entitled to the help, they are unlikely to receive much support if their ask comes across that way.
If you ask for a connection for something, no matter how small, always ensure you do so with grace. Tell them you appreciate their help in whatever form that may be and that you aren’t expecting anything from them.
15. Making too many connections
This one might seem counterintuitive, but making too many connections can be a mistake too. If you’re new to networking, making a bunch of new contacts at once can quickly become overwhelming a difficult to keep up with.
Instead, start small and ensure you can maintain those connections before expanding. Want to focus on growing a bigger network? Check out our blog on maintaining more connections.
16. Focusing on yourself
Networking isn’t only about you. Make sure you’re focusing on your connections too. See how you can offer them assistance. Whether that’s an introduction to someone in your network, sharing industry knowledge, or helping them land their next job.
Helping your connections is a great way to ensure they know you appreciate them and that the relationship isn’t one-sided.
17. Not creating deeper relationships
Networking relationships can feel very corporate and surface-level, but that can hinder the benefits that both parties can see from a strong relationship. The best networking connections come from relationships where each party is willing to help the other.
Don’t just keep things surface-level and expect to see results. Work towards getting to know your connections on a deeper level and fostering stronger relationships.
18. Forgetting to follow up
Why put in the time to make new connections only to let them die off? Don’t waste the effort you put in to grow your network. Focus on managing your connections. We recommend reaching out quarterly, whether that’s sending them an article you think they might like or meeting up for a coffee.
Looking for more ways to level up your networking game? Check out the HiHello blog for more networking tips.
Main photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
