Networking Time Wasters
Astute professionals know that networking is essential to career success. At any stage in your career, it is necessary to be connected so you can stay on top of the latest news, give and receive expert advice, and learn about upcoming changes. Although networking is a worthy effort, there are networking time wasters that you’ll want to avoid. Here are the four networking time wasters to side-step.
Lack of a Plan
The lack of a plan can lead to inefficient use of your networking time in the real world and online. Try to get the greatest results relative to the time you spend by carefully selecting the conferences and networking events. Include online networking in your plan. Identify industry forums and social media websites that are a match for you. As part of your plan, commit to engaging in online networking on a daily or weekly basis. With a plan, you are less likely to aimlessly peruse social media outlets and attend low-value events.
Too Much Time on the “Wrong” People
Have you ever been to an event and you find yourself drawn in by a long-winded talker? Before you know it, attendees are leaving, and you have not met the number of people you had hoped to meet. Your time is valuable, so be brave and politely excuse yourself and walk away. A simple, “Excuse me, I need to catch up with someone before they leave” will suffice.
Staying in Your Comfort Zone
When confronted with a room of one hundred strangers, it is very tempting to cling to a friend by the appetizer table. Rather than gravitate toward the people you know, venture out and meet new people. The 
time wasted chatting with your friends would be better spent making new connections. A wise move is to scope out attendees in advance, so you have a game plan of the people you want to meet when you arrive at the event.
Spreading Yourself Too Thin
Some people are natural joiners. They find themselves joining a multitude of groups and not really making an impact in any of the groups. It is alright to join many groups. However, evaluate your memberships and focus on the top two or three groups based on your career goals. Consider taking a leadership or committee role in one or two of the groups. It will be rewarding for you and an excellent way to build strong relationships. Also, consider the many professional associations that you can participate in virtually.
Always approach networking with purpose. Determine your networking goals and devise a plan of action. Leveraging relationships to support your career is just one aspect of networking. Networking is a way to support others, to share information, to stay informed, and to be a part of a larger community. Avoid the above networking time wasters so that every moment engaged in networking is time well-spent.