I just experienced one of the biggest networking mistakes someone can make and I want to share it with you.
So Bret and I are traveling through the south of France. Just a few days ago, we took a boat to a small island to eat at an infamous beach, club, and restaurant.
The music is almost as incredible as the food and people-watching at this place – a regular stop for celebs like Jay Z and Beyoncé, Elton John just to name a few.
Ironically, amongst a sea of Europeans, they happen to seat us at a table next to another group of Americans. Bret struck up a conversation with the young men while I danced with the girls. (It’s just what you do in a place like this!)
One of the girls recognized me as Brock’s mom (proud moment!). Apparently knowing a little bit about me, she felt compelled to share the fact that she had recently started her own small business venture.
It aligned nicely with what I talk about to my audience, as well as with my personal needs at the time. And for the sake of maintaining her identity, I will simply say it was a product that provides convenient protein 😉
I saw an opportunity to help her out, so I suggested she drop off some of her product at our hotel. I told her, if I liked it, I would be happy to promote it to my audience.
With nearly 800,000 followers influencers can earn upwards of four and even five figures for a single story mention.. I thought about some of the incredible people who did me a solid when I was her age, and just starting my own business.
Now, here I was perfectly positioned to give this opportunity to this ambitious young woman. It felt good!
I gave her my personal cell phone number as well as the hotel address. She was over the moon excited!
Unfortunately, she never showered up.
The next day she sent a text, explaining that she didn’t have time and would be happy to send some product to me back in the United States.
(Insert that sound they play when Debbie Downer has her moment on SNL)
She blew it.
Now don’t get it twisted… I’m not suggesting by any stretch of the imagination that I could make or break this woman’s business. But at a minimum, I could have given her a nice big pop of sales and awareness with her target avatar!
As Richard Branson says, “Opportunities are like buses, another one will be by shortly”.
He’s right. But how do you know when to make sacrifices or seize the opportunity that’s in front of you?
Speaking from my own experience, you never know when a simple connection can turn into something amazing.
That experience got me thinking about other common networking mistakes people make. And believe me, I’ve seen a few blunders that can really hurt your chances of making meaningful connections. Let’s take a look at a few more networking faux pas so you can learn how to avoid them.
Common Networking Mistakes
Being Overly Aggressive: Finding a balance between assertiveness and respecting others’ boundaries is crucial in networking. Being overly aggressive can make people feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, potentially damaging the relationship you’re trying to build. Respecting others’ boundaries and showing interest in their needs and perspectives creates an environment of mutual respect, fostering lasting connections.
Being Self-centered: Networking is not about focusing on your own needs and interests, but rather showing genuine interest in others. Be hungry for knowledge, eager to learn from the person you’re networking with, and demonstrate humility and a genuine desire to soak up valuable information. People appreciate it when you’re genuinely impressed by them and their expertise.
Being Too Transactional: Networking isn’t just about what you can get from others – it’s about building real connections. Don’t be too focused on immediate gains or constantly asking for favors. Take the time to nurture relationships, build trust, and show genuine interest before expecting anything in return.
Overlooking Existing Connections: Sometimes we get caught up in making new connections and we overlook the gems we already have. Your current contacts might have connections or knowledge that can be incredibly valuable, so don’t neglect those relationships – keep them strong and nurture them for potential opportunities.
Lack of Preparation: Showing up to networking events or meetings without doing your homework can seriously hinder your chances of success. Take the time to research the event, the people attending, and some interesting topics to chat about in advance. Being ready with relevant questions or talking points can help you make the most of networking opportunities.
Networking mistakes are plentiful, but there are just as many tricks and strategies to turn things around and make the most of your networking experiences. Here are some valuable networking tricks that can help you open doors to exciting opportunities.
Tips for Successful Networking
- Set clear goals
- Build a strong online presence
- Join professional organizations and groups
- Attend industry events and conferences
- Develop active listening skills
- Offer value to others
- Nurture relationships over time
- Practice your elevator pitch
- Be authentic and genuine
Remember to follow up! Networking isn’t just about meeting new people, it’s also about building and maintaining relationships. One big mistake is forgetting to follow up after that first encounter or event. Don’t let it slip through the cracks! Take a moment to send a personal follow-up email or message to stay connected and keep that relationship growing.
The Best Advice I Can Give… Be Their Biggest Fan
– Show genuine support, celebrate achievements, and recommend people in your network to others.
– Provide testimonials and endorsements for their skills and expertise.
– Attend their events and initiatives, promoting them on social media and encouraging others to participate.
– Act as a connector by making introductions and facilitating connections within your network.
– Share valuable content and resources created by people in your network with your own audience.
Here’s why you want to listen to episode #697 – What Not to Do When Networking
- The number one networking mistake I just experienced
- What Would Chalene Do scenarios
- How to differentiate between opportunities when it sometimes feels overwhelming
- The right and wrong way to impress people when you first meet
- How to nurture the relationship of someone who could really help your business
- When and how to ask for help or an introduction
- How networking can put your business on lightning pace for success
Check out the following links for more tips for networking in business, as well as navigating general social situations…
BYT #429 – My Biggest Networking Mistake of 2020
BYT #433 – 4 Big Network Marketing Mistakes to Avoid in Social Media
Blog – How to Feel Comfortable and Confident in Social Situations
BYT #684 – Don’t Let Entrepreneurship Ruin Your Relationships
Blog – How to Create New Adult Friendships
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