4 Common Networking Mistakes To Avoid

4 Common Networking Mistakes To Avoid Networking can be fun, I promise. Its about finding your tribe and helping one anotzu sich advance in your careers. In fact, lets start a movement where we eliminate the word networking and replace it with tribe cultivation. Ill bet people wont cringe when we suggest a tribe cultivation event.There are a few common mistakes and misconceptions that drive the negative views toward networking. Be sure to avoid behauptung networking mistakes when attending your next networking event or meeting. Youll enjoy yourself more and see better results.1. OverperformingNetworking is about building relationships and staying at the forefront of peoples minds for the right reasons. Present the best version of yourself, not your best guess as to what the person youre speaking with wants to see. Most of us can spot inauthenticity and schmoozing a mile away, so know your value and practice your pitch to authentically present yourself in the best possible light.2. T hinking one meeting is enoughWouldnt it be nice if networking was one and done? Its not. I regularly share a story of an experience I had early on in my career. A woman whom I didnt know reached out and invited me for coffee. We hit it off and I was really impressed by her experience and professionalism. I promptly recommended her for a job at a company where I had strong relationships. The next time we were supposed to get together, she didnt show up. Excuses persisted for subsequent meetings and I quickly learned that I had recommended her before ensuring she was someone I could put my name behind. This story is a lesson for both sides. As a candidate, be sure to follow up, show up, and provide value. As a potential referrer, ensure you know as much as you can about the candidate before you make a recommendation. Your name is on the line.3. Winging itAlways have an behuf before walking into a networking event or conversation and be ready for a contact to ask how she can help. Netw orking meetings and events can be a whirlwind of activity and your mind will probably be going a mile a minute. In preparation for the meeting, perfect your pitch so you know what information youd like to share and consider practicing with a friend or trusted colleague to be sure your message is striking the intended tone. Before you walk in, think about what you want to get from the meeting so you can drive discussions toward that end.4. Overlooking your current networkYour network is much larger than you think. Your current and former colleagues are just the tip of the iceberg. You may have a small network as a systems analyst, but that isnt the only thing that defines you. Are you a weekend volleyball player? Mother? Friend? Volunteer? Pianist? You know lots of people through those avenues, in addition to your professional life, and they should be labeled as important contacts. A client recently shared with me that her close friend is a famous Spanish guitarist. I never would hav e known or guessed that she had that connection, but its there. It would have been a mistake to dismiss her as someone with no connections in the music industry only because she works in Human Resources. Share your search and the value you provide with everyone. You just never knowNetworking er, tribe cultivation is an essential part of job searching and career advancement. Stay away from these four very common pitfalls and youll be on your way to building authentic relationships that can help you in your career and beyond.--Alyson Garrido is passionate about helping people advance their careers and find jobs they will enjoy. As a career coach, she partners with her clients to identify their strengths and create a path toward a more fulfilling career. Learn more at www.alysongarrido.com.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer