What Not To Do When Networking

What Not To Do When Networking

Networking is a great way to meet others, build relationships and also grow your business.? But, make sure you go about it the right way, otherwise you run the risk of it not having the desired effect.

Make sure you don’t fall into one of the networking no-no’s below:

1- Being self-absorbed and making it all about you. This HAS to be my number one turn-off when I'm at events and meetings. When you get talking to someone who isn’t interested in you or your business, they just want to get their information across to you, whether you may or may not be interested! Networking is a two-way street. Don't dominate conversations or launch into lengthy pitches about yourself. Ask questions, take the time to listen attentively, and show genuine interest in what they have to say.

2- Turning on "Sales Mode". People are attending the meeting to network, not get pitched to. While being proactive to talk to others is essential, avoid being pushy or aggressive in your approach.? Focus on building rapport and exploring common ground. Let the conversation flow naturally, and opportunities to discuss your work may arise organically.?

3- Being inattentive.? This may come across in a number of ways. Be aware of your body language and facial expressions. Is it showing that you’re interested and engaged, or that you’re bored and would rather be anywhere else at that moment? Silence your phone and avoid checking it constantly. Give people your full attention and show you're present in the moment. Avoid distractions such as checking your phone or constantly scanning the room while in conversation. This will make people feel awkward, maybe lower their confidence and can be just rude.

4- Being Inauthentic. Being yourself is key in networking, and in business generally to be honest. Avoid coming across as insincere or overly rehearsed. Be genuine, showcase your personality and passion for your business and how you support your clients.?

5- Being Unprepared. Don't attend a networking meeting without doing your homework - especially if you’re a little nervous about the event to begin with. Research the event, the structure of it, its attendees, and potential topics of discussion so that you can prepare meaningful conversations.

6- Forgetting to follow-up.? I talk about this all the time, and what benefits following up with new connections can have.? After the event, don't forget to follow up with the contacts you've made. Follow them on social media, email or message them and reintroduce yourself and confirm how great it was to meet them, start to build that new relationship through conversation.


So there you have 6 no-no’s for networking success (I was going to do 5, but had to add in the extra point about following up!). Networking is amazing for building connections and your business, but make sure you do it the right way.??

Take your time, be patient and build relationships through conversation.

This is what we do inside the Female Business Club - online networking for connection, business growth and success with friendly, welcoming meetings and community. Check out more details here, you’d be most welcome.

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Janine Friston- networking host and mentor的更多文章

  • Beyond Sales: How Networking Helps Introverted Owners Thrive

    Beyond Sales: How Networking Helps Introverted Owners Thrive

    When you hear the word “networking,” do you picture a loud, crowded event full of people swapping business cards? If…

  • Less Talk, More Success: Introvert-Friendly Tips for Business Growth

    Less Talk, More Success: Introvert-Friendly Tips for Business Growth

    Being an introvert is often described as being a superpower. But sometimes as a business owner, it doesn’t always feel…

  • My 2025 Predictions & Thoughts...

    My 2025 Predictions & Thoughts...

    Hello there, So, we're just over a week into the 2025, and I know some of you have hit the ground running and others…

    2 条评论
  • Bringing your introverted personality into your business

    Bringing your introverted personality into your business

    Embrace Your Introverted Superpower to Build a Business You Love Why is it important to consider your introverted…

    3 条评论
  • How to thrive on Black Friday as an introverted business owner

    How to thrive on Black Friday as an introverted business owner

    Black Friday is one of the biggest sales opportunities throughout the year, but I know as an introvert this can seem…

    2 条评论
  • The Networking Dichotomy As An Introverted Host

    The Networking Dichotomy As An Introverted Host

    This is a strange one…. as an introvert I love working from home.

    9 条评论
  • Why small can be better!

    Why small can be better!

    There seems to have been a trend over the last few years of BIG events, people triumphantly announcing that there will…

  • How often do you challenge yourself?

    How often do you challenge yourself?

    How often do you challenge yourself? As an introvert this can sometimes feel even more challenging to do if it involves…

  • Build Your Audience Without Burning Out

    Build Your Audience Without Burning Out

    Get past the noise of endless social media scrolling! The thought of networking scares you! You don’t have the time…

  • Energy

    Energy

    Lots of people get confused between introversion and shyness. I did too for years, as from the outside they may appear…

    2 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了