Top Networking Mistakes to Avoid

As a small business, networking with others can take your business to the next level or tank it in its tracks. Being an entrepreneur is not easy. It takes grit, skills and patience to find your way to success, and it is never a straight path to reaching your goals. When you begin to network, there is a right way and a wrong way to build out your network of contacts, clients and customers.

Have you ever heard this? “People need to know how much you care first, not how much you know.” The bottom line is that school rules still apply in the grown-up world. No one likes a smart aleck or know-it-all. Treat others as you would like to be treated first and foremost.

Here are some common rookie mistakes I often see business owners make when networking:

• Attending the event without knowledge about the industry, the event or the attendees
• No follow-up – collecting business cards without following up is not a solid game plan – that’s working hard, not smart
• Me before Thee approach – talking without stopping about yourself or your business is a top turn-off
• Not having a short, concise answer about who you are and what you do – stumbling here will wreck your first impression moment.
• Thinking networking is a sprint, one and done, and not a marathon, without constantly practicing, will certainly sink your growth
• If you’re shy, ducking out is not going to be productive—set a goal to meet three new people at the event, and as you get more comfortable, up your game.
• Not creating a path where people can learn to know, like and trust you.
• Being aggressive and pushy – it’s a major red flag
• Not being your authentic self, people see right through this and will avoid you.
• Dressing out of the industry norm – shorts may be ok if you are in the computer industry, but if you are in the finance industry, it might look out of place

Effective networking isn’t about collecting business cards or making quick sales. It’s about building genuine relationships that lead to long-term growth opportunities. You’ll develop a network supporting your business for years by avoiding these common mistakes.