Networking is a crucial skill for anyone who wants to advance their career in the sports industry. However, many people make some common mistakes that can harm their chances of making valuable connections and building trust. In this article, you will learn about the most common networking mistakes in the sports industry and how to avoid them.
One of the most common networking mistakes in the sports industry is not having a clear goal for what you want to achieve from your interactions. Do you want to learn from someone's experience, get feedback on your work, find a mentor, or explore new opportunities? Without a clear goal, you will waste your time and the time of the people you are trying to network with. You will also miss out on the chance to make a good impression and follow up effectively.
To avoid this mistake, you should always have a specific and realistic goal for each networking opportunity. For example, if you are attending a conference, you should research the speakers and attendees beforehand and identify who you want to talk to and why. You should also prepare some questions or topics that are relevant to your goal and their expertise.
Just connecting with someone or message them for the sake of it. People get annoyed by this and it feels it's a waste of time. Be honest and open from the start, and let them know what you're reasons are for messaging them today.
Another common networking mistake in the sports industry is not being authentic and genuine in your interactions. Many people try to impress others by exaggerating their achievements, name-dropping, or pretending to be interested in something they are not. This can backfire and damage your reputation and credibility. People can sense when someone is being insincere or dishonest, and they will not trust or respect you.
To avoid this mistake, you should always be yourself and be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. You should also show genuine interest and curiosity in the people you are networking with, and listen to what they have to say. You should also avoid talking too much about yourself and focus on finding common ground and building rapport.
Be positive, be enthusiastic, give good vibes... Yes all of this is good, but as on LinkedIn, everyone is doing this and it's VERY FAKE. People will see through this right away. Be yourself, be authentic and most importantly be honest.
A third common networking mistake in the sports industry is not following up with the people you meet. Many people think that networking is a one-time event, and they forget to stay in touch with their contacts. This can lead to missed opportunities and lost relationships. Networking is not only about meeting new people, but also about maintaining and nurturing existing connections.
To avoid this mistake, you should always follow up with the people you meet within 24 hours of your interaction. You should send a personalized email or message that expresses your appreciation, reminds them of your conversation, and suggests a next step. For example, you can ask for their advice, share a resource, invite them to an event, or request an introduction. You should also keep in touch with your contacts regularly and offer value and support.
Following up is a great tool to use to stay relevant. After an interview, a meeting even a phone call, drop them a message or an email thanking the for their time and that you are looking forward to hearing from them again. Easy, simple and helps you stand out from the crowd. Footballers should use this when networking with coaches and agents too!
A fourth common networking mistake in the sports industry is not expanding your network beyond your immediate circle. Many people tend to network only with people who are similar to them or who work in the same field or organization. This can limit your exposure and opportunities to learn from different perspectives and experiences. Networking is not only about finding people who can help you, but also about finding people who can challenge you and inspire you.
To avoid this mistake, you should always seek to diversify your network and connect with people from different backgrounds, roles, industries, and locations. You can do this by attending events, joining online communities, reaching out to alumni, or asking for referrals. You should also be open-minded and respectful of different opinions and viewpoints, and learn from the people you meet.
So your network is an asset. An asset you should always be improving and growing. Think of it as investing in stocks. Everyone month or quarter you invest more. Well it's the same with networking, every so often you invest time and energy into growing your network and connecting with new people.
A fifth common networking mistake in the sports industry is not giving back to your network. Many people treat networking as a one-way street, and they only contact their contacts when they need something from them. This can create a negative impression and damage your relationships. Networking is not only about taking, but also about giving and contributing. Networking is a two-way exchange of value and support.
To avoid this mistake, you should always look for ways to give back to your network and help them achieve their goals. You can do this by sharing information, resources, opportunities, feedback, or introductions. You can also endorse, recommend, or praise them publicly. You should also be generous and grateful, and show your appreciation for their help and guidance.
You can't always just take, you also need to give. One good way to go about it is give first, then people will automatically want to give back. Don't be fake, don't help someone just because you want something back, but the more people you help the better for you.
Make sure you get their name right! You'd be surprised by the amount of DMs I get from people who have copied and pasted a message and left the other person name in!
Do not lie! It's a small world and people talk, so you will get found out. Always be honest and show everyone respect. This goes a long way in any industry.