Making connections through networking is one of the simplest form to develop rapport and eventually grow your circle of connections. But developing long term relationships for mutual gain and creating lasting impressions takes a lot of skills. Many networkers are knowledgeable in this field, but there are some have been misled as to the actual purpose of a networking meeting.
So, to avoid irritating other people, here are some helpful tips from Liz Ryan, CEO and founder of Human Workplace. Her advised can help you avoid those common mistakes which she described as Deadly Networking Sins.
Bait and Switch networking
Don't invite someone over a cup of coffee on a false pretense as many people find it irritating and deflating. Inviting someone with a catchy phrase like, "I know tons of people who should meet you" and then suddenly you shift gear by suddenly saying "Here's how YOU can help ME" is a bad offense, said Ryan. You should ask someone for a meeting but NOT with a misleading invitation.
Stealing Introduction
One of the common mistakes that many networkers usually commit is using their friends' name just to set a meeting with other people. Contacting other people by saying "You and I are both friends of Sam, can we talk?" is a big no no. Using this method can only insult the people involved. So, instead of using your friend's name just let your friend contact the particular person and let your friend do the introduction for you.
Turning Introduction On High
"Introduction rest on trust," said Ryan. But building trust takes a process, through interaction and confidence. Don't blow your first meeting by scheduling right away sales calls and asking them to introduce you to their friends. Do everything slowly and appropriately and the rest will follow.
Networking is a process. It takes great patient, but once everything was done slowly and accordingly all the lessons you learned can be apply to you, both personally and professionally.
