How to Be a Professional Networker: 8 Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid

Everyone is guilty of leaving the office unprepared – you forget your cell phone and leave your business cards on your desk. Networking is an effective and easy way to build your career, and creates lasting social relationships with people - people who could be your future clients.

Even a small mistake can set you back. Before you leave your office, remember to avoid these common networking mistakes when you meet people. It could be the difference between losing or gaining future business.

#1 Forgetting your business cards – This has happened to everyone. You’re running late and you forget to bring your business cards. When you attend a networking event without your business cards, you look unprofessional and unprepared. Always replenish business cards and keep them in an easy-to-carry business card holder. A polished-looking business card grabs people’s attention fast. As a result, they’ll check out your website or contact you for more information.

#2 Eating and drinking while networking – If you attend events that serve alcohol, limit your alcoholic beverages or avoid them altogether. When networking at social functions, try to avoid eating and drinking while networking. It’s awkward to juggle plates and cups while trying to shake hands or hand out business cards. It’s also rude and unattractive to talk to someone with a mouth full of food.

#3 Handing out an unprofessional email address – Handing out a funny or cute email address in your social circles is fine, but it’s inappropriate for potential business contacts. If you create an email account and use it for business purposes, make it sound professional. You want people to take you seriously.

#4 Dressing in appropriate clothing – A first impression is a lasting impression. When you attend business networking events, don’t dress down. Wear business casual attire or professional attire (depending upon the particular event). You want to always come across as professional and the clothes you wear say a lot about you.

#5 Acting passive and not circulating the room– The point of networking is to meet as many people as you can at the event. Even though it’s easy to feel comfortable with one group of people, work the room. Act as if you are the host of the event and want everyone to have a good time. This is a good ice breaker and makes a great first impression. Don’t be passive and sit on the sidelines waiting for someone to talk to you. Walk around the room and introduce yourself to different groups of people.

#6 Monopolizing a person’s time or conversation– Everyone has experienced that annoying person who traps you in a corner and takes over the conversation. Do not monopolize a person’s time or conversation. The point of networking events is to socialize and mingle. It doesn’t mean latching onto one person for the entire evening. This is a sure-fire way to instantly turn off people.

#7 Coming across as a pompous know-it-all – Don’t be a walking sales pitch. Listening is just as important as promoting your business. To avoid sounding like a pompous know-it-all, ask other people questions about their business. Offer advice if appropriate. While it’s important to market yourself effectively, draw that line between self-promotion and bragging.

#8 Waiting too long to start networking – It’s a common misconception that you have to lose your job before you can start networking. It’s in your best interest to start networking TODAY. Be proactive and don’t wait too long to start business networking.

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John Boyd

Professional networking expert and founder of MeetingWave, a community where people connect online to meet offline: http://www.MeetingWave.com