10 Networking Strategies That Actually Work & 10 Pitfalls to Avoid
Networking Anxiety?
Networking is an integral part of business, but it's a delicate game that takes a lot of social tact and practice. If you master it, it can help you get ahead in your career and form meaningful and useful connections. However, if you approach it with the wrong mindset, it can make you memorable in all the wrong ways. Here are 10 strategies to turn you into a networking master and 10 pitfalls to avoid.
1. Do Your Research
Before attending any events, make sure you research the attendees. Not only will it make an impression, but it will help you come up with meaningful conversation starters with the right people.
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2. Prepare An Elevator Pitch
Create a pitch outlining your skills, passions, experience, and career goals. Make sure to make it engaging and let your personality shine through. Practice it in the mirror until you feel confident that you can deliver it without sounding rehearsed or nervous.
3. Present Yourself Well
Make a positive first impression by dressing professionally, having good posture, and making eye contact. Presenting yourself in a confident and approachable way is the first step to making new connections.
4. Give Before You Ask
Networking is a two-way street. If you go into it with the mindset of getting something, people can sense when you have a hidden agenda, and it will leave a bad impression. Open the door by offering, not by asking.
5. Actively Listen
Don't go into a networking event and immediately ask for jobs. Instead, approach with curiosity, ask thoughtful questions, and actively listen, showing genuine interest in what the person has to say.
6. Focus On Building Relationships
Your focus should be on building relationships, not collecting contacts. It's not about quantity, it's about forming quality bonds with the right people.
7. Leverage LinkedIn
Maintaining your online presence on platforms like LinkedIn is essential for modern networking. Don't spam people, but use it to authentically conserve the relationships you form.
8. Attend Events With A Purpose
Networking isn't about attending the largest conferences; it's about strategically choosing the right events that align with your objectives and making favorable impressions. Go in with a realistic goal in mind to save yourself from just aimlessly collecting business cards.
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9. Don't Forget To Follow Up
Making an excellent first impression is practically useless without a follow-up. After meeting someone, follow up with a thoughtful message to keep the connection alive.
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10. Be Consistent
Don't only network when you need a job. Get in the habit of checking in with your contacts, sharing articles, and congratulating them. That way, when an interesting opportunity arises, you'll be fresh in their mind.
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Now that we've covered some of the networking habits you should cultivate, let's go over the biggest pitfalls to avoid.
1. Only Reaching Out When You Need Something
Only reaching out to contacts when you need something isn't a good look. It makes you seem opportunistic when you should come off as genuine.
2. Talking Too Much About Yourself
Many of us make the mistake of talking too much when we're nervous, but this will only make us come off as self-centered and cocky. Like with any relationship, networking is about listening as much as sharing.
3. Being Too Pushy
Pushy behavior like calling too often or asking for big favors will only make you seem desperate and turn people off. Remember to respect boundaries and be patient.
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4. Not Coming Prepared
One of the worst mistakes you can make is showing up at a networking event without being prepared. You should always do your research ahead of time, prepare a pitch, and have some conversation topics in mind.
5. Lacking A Specific Goal
Don't be a card collector. Set a specific, manageable goal like making one or two quality connections so you don't waste your time and someone else's.
6. Spending Your Energy In The Wrong Places
You can attend all the big conferences you want and work the room stupendously, but if it's the wrong event with the wrong people, you won't get anywhere. Make sure you're spending your energy wisely so you don't burn out.
7. Making A Bad First Impression
While you shouldn't expect to hit it off with everyone, coming to an event with the wrong attitude could stain your reputation. Make sure you're doing all you can to give off the right impression.
8. Pitching A Hard Sell
While you should come prepared with a pitch, refrain from immediately launching into it. Networking isn't about making sales; it's about forming connections.
9. Ignoring Online Presence
In the modern era, much of networking is about online presence. While it's important to cultivate a great in-person rapport, follow-ups and maintaining connections are largely done online on platforms like LinkedIn.
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10. Being Transactional
Going into networking with the mindset of "what can this person do for me?" is the wrong approach. While your relationship may very well turn into a favorable back-and-forth, it needs to start first as a meaningful relationship and not a business deal.
