Networking is a vital skill for any job seeker, but it can also be tricky and intimidating. You want to make a good impression, build meaningful connections, and expand your opportunities, but you also want to avoid some common pitfalls that can sabotage your efforts. Here are some of the most common networking mistakes to avoid and how to fix them.
Before you attend any networking event, whether it's online or in person, you should have a clear goal in mind. What are you hoping to achieve? Who are you targeting? How will you follow up? Having a clear goal will help you focus your efforts, avoid wasting time, and measure your success. For example, if your goal is to find out more about a specific company or industry, you can research the attendees, prepare some relevant questions, and ask for referrals or introductions.
Go into any networking conversation with not only your own personal goal, but also having a pre-defined goal of how to help the other person in some way. What can you do for them? What can they get out of the conversation? Effective networking is a two way street.
The landscape may have evolved, but the core principles of networking remain. Adaptive authenticity, value-driven networking, and digital presence optimization are pivotal in making your networking efforts unique, engaging, and memorable. Be honest. Be authentic. Be empathetic (IE - read the room and your target audience. It's always a good time to network but is it with THAT person RIGHT NOW? Be respectful) (I've seen some cringe moments at conferences) Go into a Networking mindset with CURIOSITY -learn their pain points and what they value. Remember - Networking is not just about you.
Network with purpose, but not with an “agenda”. While it’s important to know your goals and values, and to build a network that aligns with those, look to engage in a genuine way. Listen rather than just waiting to speak or for an opportunity to get your “pitch” in. Make it about them, not you. Yes, this takes time and effort. But networking is about the long game. Start building it now so it will be there for you when you need it.
Networking is a balance between being proactive and respectful. You don't want to be too passive and wait for others to approach you, but you also don't want to be too aggressive and dominate the conversation. You want to show interest, enthusiasm, and curiosity, but also listen, empathize, and acknowledge. A good rule of thumb is to follow the 80/20 principle: spend 80% of the time listening and 20% of the time talking. This way, you can learn more about the other person, their needs, and their goals, and also share your value proposition and your story.
An elevator pitch is a short and compelling summary of who you are, what you do, and what you offer. It's a way to introduce yourself, capture attention, and spark interest. You should have an elevator pitch ready for any networking situation, whether it's a formal event, an informal chat, or a cold email. Your elevator pitch should be tailored to your audience, your goal, and your context. It should highlight your skills, achievements, and value proposition, but also include a hook, a question, or a call to action that invites further conversation.
One of the biggest networking mistakes is not following up or staying in touch with your contacts. Networking is not a one-time event, but a long-term relationship. You need to follow up promptly, thank them for their time, remind them of your value proposition, and propose a next step. You also need to stay in touch regularly, provide value, offer help, and ask for feedback or advice. You can use various channels, such as email, social media, phone, or video calls, to keep the communication going and build trust and rapport.
People are busy, so sending just one message isn't enough. It's always a great idea to follow up and touch base with the people you've connected with. Making this a habit will make it less overwhelming when it's time to look for a new opportunity! You don't need to send long lengthy messages, but it's always a great ideas to stay top of mind.
Networking is not only about exchanging information, but also about building rapport and trust. You want to be authentic and professional at the same time. You want to show your personality, your passion, and your values, but also your competence, your credibility, and your respect. You want to be yourself, but also adapt to your audience, your situation, and your goal. You want to avoid lying, exaggerating, or boasting, but also being too humble, too vague, or too negative. You want to be confident, but also humble, polite, and grateful.
Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Listening is an incredible tool to help you learn about your network and how you can help them. If you can add value to a conversation, some way to help the person, it will make a huge impact.
Networking is not limited to face-to-face interactions, but also involves using various tools and platforms to expand your reach, showcase your skills, and connect with your target audience. You should use the right tools and platforms for your networking goals, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, blogs, podcasts, webinars, or online communities. You should also optimize your online presence, such as your resume, your portfolio, your website, or your social media profiles, to make them attractive, relevant, and searchable. You should also use tools such as resume writing keywords and ATS (applicant tracking systems) to increase your chances of getting noticed and hired.
Networking is multi-faceted. Always remember what your call to action is (CTA) and be intentional with your words. It’s hard to ask someone to “think of you when a role opens” if they don’t know who you are and won’t remember you after one quick interaction. Build rapport with people in your industry, not just recruiters. That way when a role does open, someone in your network is more likely to refer someone they know and can vouch for their experience.