CAREERLIFESTYLE & TRAVEL

The Three Ts to Avoid in Networking

Often times people discuss the benefits of networking and what to do while actively participating. However, this article aims to share a perspective on what not to do and how to replace those faux pas.

Many people are familiar with the benefits of networking and how to make it impactful. However, with all the helpful information out there, it is just as important to consider simple things to avoid while networking to make the experience more beneficial. Before delving into the three items to avoid while networking, let’s review the importance of networking to professional advancement.

The Importance of Networking

Many people know that networking is important and that it can lead to better opportunities, but do you know the facts? Apollo Technical states that 85% of jobs are filled internally, while 70% of jobs are never posted externally, so it’s important to fit a networking strategy into your time. What’s more, networking is a crucial part of business success, so much so, that executives revealed that 28% of their business would be lost without it.

So, what does this all mean? It means that networking is a key factor in finding a job, changing roles at your current employer, and maintaining clients and customers while working for a business. Although networking is important, it’s not easy for everyone, and those that find networking easy may not be doing it effectively. Read on to learn more about three key things to avoid, to make networking more beneficial, whether it comes naturally to you or not.

The Three Ts to Avoid in Networking

Transactional

When networking, it’s important to avoid being transactional with your interactions. This could look like overwhelming the person you are talking to by dominating the conversation and assuming the person will do a favor for you if you do a favor for them. To avoid this, aim to take a genuine interest in the person you are talking to by asking deeper questions about them, their work, and their experiences. Once you have gathered more information, then ask how you can be helpful to them. Many times, people are looking for introductions and connections, so consider yourself a people connector. The larger our network grows the more easily you will be able to connect individuals. Read our 4.0 article that shares more details about prioritizing quality over quantity in networking.

Time Mismanagement

Networking is a major benefit to any career or business endeavor, however, it’s important to recognize that it’s a time commitment. It is not just attending events, but also the follow-up that happens afterward. One way to make the most of your time is to be intentional in your meeting selection and the conversations you take part in. For instance, if you are looking to be introduced to a person in financial planning, then it would make the most sense to attend a networking event that is centered around personal finances, or to specifically ask others to introduce you to a planner they know.

Another way to make the most of your time is to be okay with saying no to personal and group meetings. When you are being more intentional with networking, it may mean that you will have to decline other requests. Remember, you also have work and personal responsibilities to make room on your calendar for.

Tactlessness

The Cambridge Dictionary defines tactlessness as the quality of not being careful to avoid saying or doing something that could upset someone. While networking, it’s important to remember that you will be meeting individuals from different cultures, backgrounds, and values. Understanding this will help you remain intentional in your conversations when it comes to your word choices and actions. If you are uncertain of what to say or how to behave, it’s okay to ask the individual you are speaking with about finer nuances and decorum.

Networking can be a rewarding activity, not just because of the professional advantages it may have, but because of the many different people you will meet. Not only can you build a working relationship with those you connect with, but if you’re lucky, some of them may even become your friends.

https://www.apollotechnical.com/networking-statistics/

https://msufcufin40.evergreen3c.com/blogs/the-power-of-networking-quality-over-quantity

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/tactlessness