Everything rises and falls on networking. Whether you want to get ahead professionally or personally, networking rightly cannot be overemphasized. It requires some sets of applicable sets of skills and habits to make and sustain an effective network. Making and sustaining effective networking for life and business growth requires you to leave your comfort zone.
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However, there are a few mistakes we make when networking. Little wonder, we don’t see the positive effect of networking. In this article, I am going to show five common networking mistakes leaders should avoid.
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Relying On Gadgets Only
Networking at its best is done face to face. In an age when everything is nearly done technologically, we must remember that we can’t compare connecting on a deeper level, which is the hallmark of networking, to a one-on-one conversation. Therefore, leave your gadgets for a while; attend live events, and network with people. Further, studies have shown that people who engage in face-to-face conversation are better conversers than those who do all their networking technologically. Starting might look awkward, however, with practice, you will become a master networker.
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Failing To Make Networking Mutual
One of the mistakes we make in networking is failing to return the same energy as given to us by others. The failure in mutuality in networking often kills it. If someone is genuinely interested in connecting with you, ensure you return the same level of connection. Don’t give room for one-sided domination, whether in conversations or in sharing ideas and turning up for each other.
Remember: return the same energy.
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Avoid Exploitation
People often get into networking because they have a product to sell or they simply want something. This is a counterproductive motive. The network is built on give-and-take. And giving comes first. Therefore, before you take ensure you have given. How do you go about this? First, identify those you want to connect with, look out for their needs, and meet them. When you have done this, you have easily positioned yourself for help. Build a reputation of being the helpful one. Let your partners know this. However, ensure you don’t get used.
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Focuse On Numbers Rather Than Depth
Focusing on quantity rather than quality is one of the biggest mistakes leaders make when networking. People often fall into the trap of number games, collecting contact information without getting to know anyone. This mistake is very popular, especially on social media. Numbers aren’t bad, but failing to develop any form of relationship or get to know anyone, is the big mistake you should avoid. You should be more focused on engaging your connections in relevant conversations and creating a memorable impression.
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Not Following Up
This is the most common mistake people make. You attend an event, make some great connections, but you let them fade away by not acting on them. Following up is the key to effective networking. Without follow-up, those great connections are useless. The best way to go about this is by drawing up a follow-up plan. At least, after each new connection, ensure to follow-up two days after. Create an impression that you are in for a long-term connection. Failing to follow up means a missed opportunity.
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This article was first published on 7th December 2021
nnaemeka-emmanuel
Nnaemeka is an academic scholar with a degree in History and International Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is also a creative writer, content creator, storyteller, and social analyst.
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