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Stop Making These 5 Networking Mistakes
Stop Making These 5 Networking Mistakes
1. RELYING ON THE INTERNET: Do not ignore the power of face-to-face contact. In this modern day and age, we are obsessed with our online presence. While I am in full support of paying your bills or ordering dinner online, networking is best done in person. It is much harder for people to ignore you if you are standing right in front of them.
Stop Making These 5 Networking Mistakes
2. EXPECTING TOO MUCH: You can’t take before you give. Of course you ultimately want to gain something from this networking opportunity, but before you ask for it, you must form a mutually beneficial relationship. Focus first on providing value. Make the interaction about the other person and find out what you can do to help. When you introduce yourself, explain what you do and communicate the value you can offer. Don’t overreach, either.
3. NOT HAVING A SPECIFIC ASK: When the time comes to make your ask, you must be specific about it. Your contacts want to help you, but they need to know exactly what you are looking for in order to. Do not throw out a bunch of unrelated goals or favors. Pick the one thing you would like your connection to focus on.
Stop Making These 5 Networking Mistakes
Stop Making These 5 Networking Mistakes
4. FORGETTING TO SAY THANK YOU: It sounds so obvious, but you would be surprised how many people forget those two totally simple — but very important — words. Avoid presenting yourself as an ungrateful jerk. If you want to go the extra mile, send a handwritten thank you note. At the very least, send a follow-up email expressing gratitude.
Stop Making These 5 Networking Mistakes
5. FAILING TO FOLLOW UP: On a related note, another common — and disastrous — mistake is failing to follow up. Your contact is not going to be knocking down your door to do you a favor. It is not just about the follow-through either; it’s also about continuing to foster a relationship.
Do not fade into the abyss. Networking is not a short-term game. You should be in it for the long haul.
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