6 networking blunders to avoid
The objective of networking is, of course, to gain some benefit—a sales lead, a mentor, or maybe a new job—but a ‘gimme, gimme, gimme’ approach won’t get you very far.
Networking: Everyone tries to do it, and few do it well.
That’s too bad, because we all need help. We all need guidance. We all need help opening a door. (That’s definitely true for me.) No one does anything worthwhile completely on his own.
So, if you’re trying to create a genuine and mutually beneficial network, here’s a better way:
1. Quit trying to take before you give.
The goal of networking is to connect with people who can help you make a sale, get a referral, establish a contact, etc. When we network, we want something.
Forget about what you can get, and focus on what you can provide. Giving is the only way to establish a real connection and relationship.
Focus solely on what you can get out of the connection, and you will never make meaningful, mutually beneficial connections.
When you network it should be all about them, not about you.
2. Quit thinking that other people should care about your needs.
Maybe you’re desperate. Maybe partnering with a major player in your industry could instantly transform red ink into black. Maybe you really, really need a job.
No one cares. No one should care. Those are your problems. Those are your needs.
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