Whether it’s to move up at a company, find a new job, or simply become more engaged with those around you, growing your professional network has a myriad of benefits that are only a brief interaction away.
Of course, it’s natural to feel a bit hesitant or nervous when networking. The stakes feel high, and you may put pressure on yourself to perform in a certain way. You may feel that one move can either be your big break or a failed connection that goes nowhere!
To help you grow your professional network and improve your chances of that big break, we’ve pooled our collective experience to put together this brief guide detailing what not to do when pursuing new connections. By understanding the “don’ts” of networking, you may enjoy more effective and advantageous connections.
So here are a few key mistakes to avoid when growing your professional network!
Don’t Be Overeager
Yes, we know. It’s easy to let your nerves—whether they manifest as anxiety or excitement—get the best of you at the moment. However, it’s important to appear passionate without seeming overeager or desperate.
There are a few ways being overeager can raise its head, including: asking for a job, focusing solely on yourself, being too persistent, rambling, and trying to sell a product or service in just one conversation.
While a couple of these things are not “bad” on their own, in the context of networking, they can be off-putting and lessen your chances of making a real, lasting connection. Instead, listen as much as you talk, keep things concise, and focus on the interpersonal relationship you’re forming, not necessarily the end goal.
Don’t Be Afraid
Many people suffer from nervousness when networking. This is a natural way to feel, but you shouldn’t allow it to define your networking experience. Research some stress-management techniques that can improve your ability to approach networking with confidence. If you don’t believe in yourself it will be hard to convince someone else that they should.
This is an important part of being effective in growing your networking community and connections.
Don’t Limit Yourself
To be truly successful in growing your professional network, you must set yourself up for success. This means not placing limitations on yourself. These limitations are so easy to overlook you may not even know they are affecting you, so check out a few of these common limitations you can address.
Before you start networking, be sure to update your resume and associated online profiles. This ensures that you are prepared to follow up with any connections you do make and are prepared to share your information at the moment.
Limiting yourself to only in-person or online networking is also a mistake, as it cuts down on your potential connections. Both methods, as well as networking via phone call, have a symbiotic relationship. The same is true of neglecting or overlooking connections that are outside of the achievement you want to attain.
Forming relationships with a diverse crowd can not only grow you personally but also expand your network beyond your wildest dreams.
Don’t Ignore Advice
As with many things in life, listening to the advice of those you trust and who may have more experience than you is a great way to learn and/or improve a particular skill. Networking is no different. Even if the advice is coming from someone in a different field, position, or life path than you, they can still offer valuable insight that can be applied to your situation.
You may even want to network with a partner who can advise, encourage, and uplift you throughout the process. Not only can they be a tremendous support system for you, but they can also make conversation come easier by boosting your confidence and improving your morale.
Don’t Be Inconsistent
Successful networking requires consistent work. You may not have great results each and every time you attempt to connect with someone, but by remaining consistent, you can maximize your chances and build relationships.
This applies to making first-time contacts and following up with contacts you’ve already made. Even a casual message can work wonders.
Ask about a connection’s family, how their latest trip went, or simply thank them for their help and for taking time out of their day to connect with you!
Don’t Underestimate Technology
While you shouldn’t be overly reliant on technology, failing to exploit the amazing advantages offered by modern networking tools would be a mistake. Virtual interactions are exceptionally valuable, especially when they are parlayed into in-person meetings.
Apps like IceBrekr are making it easier than ever to streamline the connection between virtual networking and real-world networking by helping you capitalize on your potential connections in real-time.
No matter your personal preferences, professional field, experience level, or other factors you can dream up, everyone can continually improve their networking skill set and expand their professional network.
By taking the time to learn what not to do and eliminating bad habits from your networking approach, you can emphasize what you should be doing and focus on honing those skills.
We hope that this brief guide helps you identify some bad habits you may slip into when growing your professional network so that you can be aware of them and address them. Hopefully, you picked up some positive pointers along the way, too, like utilizing networking apps and finding your confidence!
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