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Networking Mistakes Marketing Strategy Business Sales Advertising Job Interviews Interview Tips Hunting Resume Best How Make Format
   
Mistake #1: Confusing "networking" with "prospecting"
Networking and prospecting are both useful, but they are two very different activities.
Most people are really "prospecting" when they go out "networking". In other words, they are specifically (and only) looking for prospective customers. They're not really interested in meeting anyone else for any other reason.
When you're truly networking, you're looking to meet all kinds of people, for all kinds of reasons. See mistake #2 below, for an example.
So, what happens when you confuse the two
You end up "pitching" to a bunch of people who have no interest in what you have to sell. You have frustrating conversations that go nowhere. You end up disappointed.
At the receiving end, you get annoyed or irritated with people who try to "pitch" to you at networking events. You feel dismayed that this is what you must do to "network successfully". And you force or resign yourself to doing something that neither feels good nor works for you.
Mistake #2: Not being clear about what you want
What you want from your networking efforts
Most people answer this question with general statements, such as "meet new people" or "generate new business". I used to do that!
But this is too vague and not very useful. It doesn't really help you identify what specific actions you need to take. For instance, if you say you want to "meet new people", who are these people, where are you most likely to meet them, and what will you talk to them about when you meet them
Put simply, being vague prevents you from focusing your time and energy in the right place and on the right people. You end up meandering -- in conversations and at events.
Lack of clarity leaks your confidence. It frustrates you.
Mistake #3: Not asking clearly for what you want
Often, even when we know exactly what we want, we don't ask for it. Or we don't ask clearly.
Think about it: if others don’t know or don’t fully understand what you want, how can they possibly help you
So why don't we ask Because we may feel awkward or self-conscious about asking people for something. Or we may fear "rejection" (what if they say "no" ). Or we may assume that people already know what we want, so we don't need to ask again. Or... you fill in the blank.
Yes, I speak from experience! I certainly made all kinds of assumptions that held me back from asking people for help. And when I did ask, I was so vague, I may as well have not asked.
No surprise then, that I didn't get what I wanted!
Mistake #4: Following up improperly and with the wrong people
I can't tell you HOW much time, money and energy I spent on this one! I filled up my calendar following up and getting together with all kinds of people that I had met, over endless cups of coffee. I like coffee, but this was getting out of hand.
Then one day, I got an email from someone saying, "It was great to meet you yesterday at the business mixer". I had no idea who this person was and had no recollection of having met him. He had sent this email to a whole bunch of people, and I assume most others had a similar reaction to mine.
I realized that he sent this email because one was supposed to "follow up" in business networking. In his mind, he was "following up".
And I realized then, that I wasn't very clear about my following up process either. Why was I getting together with all these people To build a relationship for what purpose
Trying to follow up with and stay in touch with as many people as possible, without a clear idea of why you're doing so, is exhausting -- not to mention wasteful (your time, money and energy are all precious resources).
Mistake #5: Limiting "networking" for events and mixers
Many people reserve “networking” for “events”. And further, they use it to only generate leads or referrals.
Meanwhile, networking opportunities show up in everyday life – all the time. And they offer a wide range of ways to market your business — from publicity opportunities to partnership possibilities, from access to information about new marketing tools to referrals to new customers.
If you’re using business networking as a marketing strategy (and I’m assuming you are), it's important to understand that you don’t have to wait for a networking “event” to network for business purposes.
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