5 Networking Mistakes you've Probably Already Made this Year and How to Solve them

1. You are not networking

The world has changed and there is so much noise and options. So if people don't know who you are, it means your opportunities to do business, grow your career or grow in influence will be limited. If you haven’t gone to a networking event this year, the truth is you can do better. Many times people leave networking till when they need it. That’s like only putting an umbrella in your car when it rains, the problem is how do you know when it will rain, what if the rain starts while you are at work or on Third Mainland Bridge? Solution: Build your network before you need it. Go for events, join professional associations and interests groups like book clubs, mummy groups etc.

2. You think introverts are not good at networking

This is a common misconception. I hear people say, I am shy, I am an introvert and so I am not good at networking. What these people don’t understand is that introverts have very useful skills that make them excellent at networking. For example, extroverts can have a tendency to talk too much, while introverts spend most of their time in their heads, making them better listeners. A valuable skill for networking. Solution: Try going to events a little early or at least on time. That way you avoid feeling awkward and feeling like hiding when you enter a room filled with people. Then try talking to the person beside you. Start with a smile, telling them your name and then asking them what they do and how long they have done it for.

3. You are looking for quantity rather than quality

This is one of the most common mistakes I see people make, people hopping from table to table exchanging cards. Networking isn’t about who collects the highest amount of business cards. Its about creating genuine connections with people. Solution: Next time you are at an event, start a conversation with someone and see what you have in common. Do you work in the same industry, work for difficult bosses, feel frustrated about the lack of opportunities in your sector or maybe you both have kids in the same age range or love make up? Talk about these things and see where the similarities lie.

4. You are trying to sell on the spot

I get a lot of DM’s with people asking me, how do I sell at a networking event without looking desperate? My answer is always the same. Don’t try to sell. A few years ago I went for WIMBIZ annual conference, I met a lady who sold hair and during the after party we both sat down and gisted. It was obvious she sold hair because her weave was super nice and I noticed before we even started talking. We followed each other on social media and 4 months later when I wanted to buy hair, guess who I bought from? I haven’t bought hair from anyone else since that day. Solution: People buy from who they know like and trust. At networking events, focus on introducing yourself properly- i.e. by saying the problem you solve or the specific type of product you sell then focus on getting to know the person you are speaking with. The more people like you, the more they are likely to buy from you. It might seem long, but its the best way to build loyal, repeat customers.

5. You aren’t following up

We ladies are so guilty when it comes to this. You go for an event, collect 10 cards and keep them in your bag until its time to change the bag and then you find the cards, at the bottom of the bag, months later. Sound familiar? Following up is super important for building connections. Even if the person doesn’t reply, if and/or when you see them again, you can always say do you remember me? We met at X event and I sent you an email. Solution- Always send an email at least within 2 weeks of meeting people. Remind them where you met and mention something interesting you spoke about. Tell them again what you do and then ask that they reply telling you a bit more about their job or business and end by asking if its okay to stay in touch.

Have you made any of these mistakes this year or have a question? Let's talk about it