Don’t Let This Happen to You: Networking Faux Pas
We are told from the time we start our careers that networking is essential. Although not enjoyable to all, networking leads us to knowledge, partnership opportunities, lessons, and more. Networking is important because we need other people to be successful. Networking ranges from the very subtle,
such as a brief interaction on a commuter train, to a formal industry event. Do you ever worry about making a networking faux pas? Here are five common networking blunders to avoid.
Email Message Mishaps
Create a message that you can easily replicate when reaching out to new contacts. Take time to review the message, the person’s name, including spelling. Sam may not appreciate a message labeled, “Dear Tiffany.” Email mishaps make you look sloppy, and you might not get the opportunity to recover from a mistake.
Dishing the Dirt
You are huddled by the crab puffs at the quarterly conference, and you remark, “How lame was that opening presentation and what’s up with his hair. Who is he fooling?” You feel your peer nudging you. Later you come to find out that it was the speaker’s partner standing next to you. If you must release tension by joking around, only share your jokes in a safe setting. In general, you should avoid jokes at someone else’s expense.
No Thank You
Way back in pre-school you were taught the value of “please and thank you.” Perhaps you were taught by a large purple dinosaur or maybe a talking sponge named Bob. It is a valuable lesson that is important in networking. Failure to say “thank you” when someone in your network makes an effort to help you is a major faux pas. A quick, courteous, and sincere expression of gratitude builds relationships. You should always be gracious no matter what. Also, networking works both ways. You should be offering yourself as a resource as well.
Being Greedy
Greedy people make a strong impression on others. Don’t be that person. It is true that you have to be assertive to achieve your goals. However, in networking settings you want to regulate that drive to “go for it” at all costs. If you push in front of others to get what you want, you will be remembered. Unfortunately, being greedy, grabby, and exuding an overall “me-me-me” attitude is a tough reputation to overcome. You can find yourself on the outside of the network by being greedy.
Failing to Follow-through
We all get busy, and sometimes we fail to follow-through. If you are offered an opportunity and you fail to act on that offer, you may have lost that opportunity forever. That person may prefer to extend the opportunity to someone who is interested enough and has the courtesy to follow-through.
The Bottom Line
In life and business, little things mean a lot. Networking mistakes can hinder relationships and shrink your network. If networking makes the world go around, you can’t afford to be on the outside. Pay attention to your daily interactions, remain respectful of your network, and look for opportunities to repay the support and favors that others extend to you.