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Biggest Networking Blunders
by Ross Macpherson, President, Career Quest
There’s no shortage of resources on how to network properly
– one of the best is mentioned in this month’s issue
– and yet the fact remains that few really know how to do
it well. So, in an effort to provide a new perspective on the topic,
let’s look at what NOT to do when you’re networking.
Avoid these mistakes and your networking should take care of itself,
gather its own momentum, and pay off huge dividends in your career.
Blunder #1: Not networking when you’re employed
For some reason, many people have come to believe that networking
is only for the unemployed. Absolutely wrong! Networking should
not be thought of as strictly a job search technique – it’s
a lifelong career management strategy. Networks often really pay
off in the long term, so if you think of it as a short-term tool
to get you a job when you need it, you’re missing the point.
Your network can pay off at any time, and you will definitely appreciate
the work you put into it when you really do need it. As Harvey Mackay
says, you have to dig your well before you’re thirsty!
Blunder #2: Asking and not giving
Building a network should not be all about what YOU want. If you
always take and never offer to give anything back to the people
in your network, your network will surely crumble. Know what you
can offer in return, or better yet ask them. Send someone in your
network an interesting article, offer to take them to lunch every
so often, or at the very least end your conversation with “Now,
what can I do for you?” That’s how you keep your networking
vibrant. Remember, the best way to get great networking contacts
is to be one yourself!
Blunder #3: Not following up
If you promise to call them, call them. If you say you’ll
email them, email them. If you say you’ll stay in touch, then
you have to stay in touch. Not following up kills your network.
Blunder #4: Not managing/tracking your networking data
If you have to spend more than 10 seconds looking for a contact’s
business card or contact information, you need a better system -
a drawer full of business cards and sticky notes all over your office
simply won’t cut it. Have a dedicated and well organized filing
system, categorize business cards if it will help, or buy some useful
software. It’s also a good idea to keep a log of who you’ve
spoken to, when you spoke, what you spoke about, when you are to
follow up, and any other pertinent info (at the very least, jot
it down on the back of their card before you file it).
Blunder #5: Using a “canned” commercial
I hate this one. I meet so many people who spew out rehearsed 30-second
commercials about themselves and call that networking. Networking
is about building relationships, and the worst way to start one
off is with an over-rehearsed “canned” commercial about
yourself. Be genuine, be yourself, build a relationship, and leave
the canned commercials for the infomercial hosts on TV. If you must
use a 30-second elevator speech, make certain it sounds like you
and rolls off the tongue like real conversation. . .then work on
building the relationship.
Blunder #6: Trying to network in a bubble
Networking requires getting yourself out there. Yes, you can network
within your own familiar community of contacts but if you really
want to soar you have to reach a bit farther. Attend meetings, volunteer
somewhere, join an association, write an article, respond to the
author of a great article, join a networking group, etc. Make yourself
visible.
Blunder #7: Not having a plan
While good networking can have its comfortable social side, you
still need to treat it seriously and have a goal or objective from
each networking meeting. What do you want to accomplish? What information
could you use? What can you offer to your contact? Who should be
in your network? Who needn’t be in your network? How can you
grow your network? Like anything else, you have to plan it out to
get the best results.
© 2005 Ross Macpherson
About the Author
Ross Macpherson is the President of Career Quest, a Certified Professional
Resume Writer, and a Career Success Coach who has helped thousands
of motivated professionals advance their careers. To receive more
valuable career advice, sign up to join his monthly newsletter "Career
Accelerator" by visiting www.yourcareerquest.com.
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