Networking Mistakes That Are Killing Your Game

Starting a business, shifting to a new industry, looking for a job in the city, looking to hire interns- there are times in your career where you have to look outside your existing network and meet a host of new people. This will only happen by attending networking events, conferences, meetings and the like.

Of course there's no “correct” way to network, but there are definitely some ineffective ways. So when it comes to something as important as your contacts, you owe it to yourself to make it as effective as possible by avoiding the following when networking.

1. Only networking when you need something:

Networking is a two way process and going out of your way to help others will inspire others to do the same for you. This way you not only build a professional relationship but also a personal relationship which will benefit your business in the long run. You may not always get a referral but that should not stop you from giving referrals to someone else.

1. Hearing instead of Listening:

You have just met with someone and asked him about what he does. He responds and you nod along. But if someone asks you to repeat his answer, you would be clueless. It’s an easy trap you can fall into. We are so eager for our chance to talk, we neglect what the other person is saying. Remember, networking conversations are only useful if you walk away with something valuable. To do so you need to listen and pay attention to what people say to you.

1. Coming under prepared: Networking isn’t a meeting and there’s no reason to treat it that way, but you should plan on doing a little bit of preparation before attending any such event. Thinking you know what you want from the network is not the same as knowing it.

2. Getting too personal: You want networking conversations to feel natural and talking about your personal interest along with your business goals is a great way to break the ice and get to know people quickly. But, that doesn’t mean you speak to a new contact like he’s your oldest friends. They don’t necessarily want to know about your tiff with a close friend or a bad breakup.

3. Don't keep score: give and don't expect a referral in return: It is important to have an abundance mindset. Keeping track of how many referrals you have given and received is not going to help you achieve anything. Always look for ways to give, connect and share. While you can expect some reciprocations from your actions, it will never be 50-50. In healthy relationships it evens out over time as you become more of a giver at times and more of a receiver at other times.

4. Don't misuse or abuse your network:

Once you become part of the network try to avoid spamming them with messages to boost your sales. Remember you are here to build a relationship and not increase your sales.

Also if someone gives you the permission to use their name, make sure you use it carefully so as to not make them regret their decision. Similarly, before dropping a new contacts name in a proper situation, make sure they have a good reputation in that community or the reference might actually work against you.

By avoiding the above mistakes, you already jump your game to the next level. At Project Network India, we conduct weekly networking events for entrepreneurs to collaborate and multiply their business and reach. If you share the same vision as the entrepreneurs of our country do, why wait? Join A Network today!