6 Networking Pitfalls That Can Ruin the Experience

6 Networking Pitfalls That Can Ruin the Experience6 Networking Pitfalls That Can Ruin the ExperienceWhen attending your next networking event, avoid unterstellung six networking pitfalls, says career coach Bethany Wallace1. Focusing too much on yourself.Networking is about relationships. Relationships are not I-centered. Theyre about we. If you find yourself talking a whole lot about yourself- telling multiple stories about your career, college life, rolleal interests- slow down. Try to listen more than you talk. Ask questions and then listen to responses. Attempt to ask one more question, and after hearing the response, find out one more interesting thing about the person youre talking to.If theres one thing that rings true about most people, its that we love talking about ourselves, says Wallace. If you want to put people at ease, and yourself at ease, too, get others talking about themselves. Networking events often make us nervous. Theres no better way to ease your nerves than to put the focus on others rather than on yourself. People will likely leave the event remembering you as a wonderful, thoughtful, insightful person. And all you did welches listen.2. Keeping your hands full.Many networking events offer you the chance to exchange business cards, or even resumes. They also provide you with pretty tasty appetizers and drinks. Dont make the classic mistake of juggling a purse, phone, a plate of food, a drink, and three copies of your resume. Always leave one hand empty.You need to appear available to greet others and shake hands, says Wallace. A good handshake really can make all the differenceHow, then, will you enjoy all that wonderful food? You probably wont. Eat before you arrive. Youre not there to eat. Youre there to expand your professional network.3. Letting others monopolize your time (or monopolizing others time).There are always a few people at networking events who either love to hear themselves talk (and will suck you in with their stories) or who are intimidated by networking events and will attempt to cling to you if you listen to them for even one minute. Beware. If you find yourself interacting with one of these individuals, you will likely have to interrupt them at some point if you cant find a break in conversation. Kindly say, this and move on Ive loved talking to you, but I made a personal goal to connect with several people tonight. Thanks for being one of themAnd by the same token, dont be one of these people who takes up all of someone elses time. Make the decision before arriving at the event that youre going to connect with at least three new people. If you already know most of the people at the event, great. Mingle and interact with at least 10 people, in that case. Dont sit in your comfort corner.4. Caring too much about appearance and too little about the content of conversation.Its easy, especially if the networking event is fancy schmancy, to get caught up in appearances and in paying attention to wha t others are wearing or to worry about what others may think about your appearance. Try to avoid this trap.When you do this, you are unable to be in the moment, says Wallace. You cannot focus on the content of conversation- on who people are. Networking is about building relationships with people. If youre swept away by whats on the surface, you will be unable to dig deep and ask people meaningful questions, remember whats said, or make genuine connections.One easy way to avoid focusing on appearances is to wear something thatmakes you feel confident yet comfortable. If you feel and look your best, youll care a lot less about what others are wearing, and this canput everyone else at ease when theyre talking to you.5. Failing to follow up.You might meet 10 great people at your next networking event, but if you forget to ask them for their first and last names, or you forget to trade contact information, all you gained was a good time. That doesnt aid you in your job search or help yo u build long-term professional relationships. Following up is huge it helps reiterate to your new contacts that you value the time they spent with you, even if it was simply five minutes. It conveys that youre a thoughtful, grateful person. It allows you the opportunity to cement your brand. It lets you ask for whatever it is you want.What is the next step? Are you searching for ways to increase readership on your blog? Ask your new contacts if they would consider reading the article youre sending them, and if they like it, sharing it on social media. Did one of your contacts mention a job opening? By all means, send that person a copy of your resume If youre at a crossroads in your career journey, consider asking one or two of your new contacts to meet you face-to-face for an informational interview. Always connect with your new contacts on social media, too.6. Looking or acting like youd rather be anywhere else.Finally, remember to smile and engage those around you. Its free, and makes people feel welcomed. That canopen up more people to talking or engaging with you, and help ease into what is hopefully meaningful conversation and connections.Standing in the corner, looking bored, candraw negative attention to yourself. And thats the last thing you want to do at a networking eventNetworking events can bechallenging, especially for those who are uncomfortable in larger social settings. Dont make them more challenging by falling into these common networking pitfalls.Attending a networking event soon? Brush up on your skills with these networking tips.