In one of my lessons in The Project Management Career Coaching Course, I highlight common networking mistakes.
It’s worth a look.
1 – Not Being Organized
You are more likely to make a mistake like double-booking yourself and having to reschedule your meeting.
If you appear confused, it is unlikely that you will make a good impression on your counterpart.
2 – Not Respecting Their Times
Always be on time
Keep it as brief as possible — don’t spend an hour telling your life story.
Networking is about communication, and that’s a two way street.
I’ll be talking about gratitude later, but this is something you have to really think about.
You should be grateful if someone offers to meet you for coffee, lunch, or to answer your questions. You can do that by understanding that they have a busy lifestyle just like you and have given some of their time to you.
It’s a gift wrapped in a beautiful box with a bow. You can’t expect them trust you if you don’t treat it this way.
3 – Being Lazy
Be engaged. Engage in a genuine way and make a lasting impression.
Do your research before you start to discuss any topic. You might want to ask them about their roles and their company.
Do your research on the company before you make a decision.
Do you recall the details of the projects you worked together on if you have worked with them before?
Write down all the things you remember about them. Recommendations: Mention the things they did well together.
4 – Being Pushy
Are you coming across as disrespectful or ‘init for yourself’ to the other person when you try to network with them?
“Can you send my resume to the hiring manager?”
“Tell me about the open jobs.”
These questions will show your conversation partner what you are thinking. You are only having this conversation for selfish reasons. These questions are inappropriate, especially if you don’t know the person well enough.
Listening and trying to find ways to help the other person is a much better approach.
Never ask them to be your lackey or run around trying to find you a job.
This is a great way for a new professional relationship to begin.
5 – Not Openly Showing Gratitude
It never ceases amaze me how many people show utter lack of appreciation for other people.
You should express gratitude to anyone who meets with you, answers your questions via email, or introduces you to someone.
It doesn’t matter if you disagree with the information. Recognize their time and attention.
6 – Don’t Follow Up
If you don’t follow-up with someone you have spoken to, you are losing a lot of opportunities to strengthen your professional relationship.
Even if it’s a simple email or phone call to check in, you should have a system in place to remind you to follow up with them.
Are you doing any of them?
Are you active in networking? ?Why not? ?Why not?
