Networking is one of the most valuable tools for growing your career or business. It’s an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and open doors to new opportunities. But even with the best intentions, some common networking mistakes can hurt your chances of making a great impression. To help you avoid these pitfalls, here are five things you should never do when networking—and what to do instead.
1. Don’t Lead with a Sales Pitch 🚫
One of the biggest mistakes people make when networking is treating it like a sales opportunity. Walking into a conversation with a hard pitch can make others feel uncomfortable and put up barriers. Networking is about building relationships, not pushing your product or services.
Instead, focus on genuine conversation. Ask questions, show interest in the other person, and find common ground. If your product or service comes up naturally, great! But the goal is to leave a positive impression, not close a deal on the spot.
Pro Tip: People do business with those they know, like, and trust. Build the relationship first, and the opportunities will follow.
2. Don’t Talk Only About Yourself 🗣️
Monopolizing the conversation is a quick way to turn people off. While it’s important to share your story, constantly talking about yourself without asking about the other person makes the interaction one-sided. Networking should be a two-way exchange.
Instead, practice active listening. Ask open-ended questions like, “What inspired you to get into this field?” or “What’s a project you’re really excited about right now?” Showing genuine curiosity builds rapport and helps you learn more about the other person’s goals and challenges.
Pro Tip: Aim for a balance. Share enough about yourself to make the conversation interesting, but always leave space for the other person to share too.
3. Don’t Be Unprepared ❌
Showing up to a networking event without preparation can make you seem uninterested or disorganized. Whether it’s not knowing who will be there, forgetting your business cards, or being unsure about how to introduce yourself, lack of preparation can hurt your confidence and the impression you leave.
Instead, do your homework before the event. Research the event’s purpose, attendees, or speakers. Prepare a quick elevator pitch that highlights who you are and what you do. Bring business cards or have your LinkedIn profile ready to share digitally.
Pro Tip: Preparation shows professionalism. When you’re prepared, you’ll feel more confident and make stronger connections.
4. Don’t Ignore Follow-Up 📩
Networking doesn’t end when the event does. Failing to follow up with people you’ve met is one of the most common mistakes. If you don’t nurture the connection, it may fade away, leaving you with no real benefit from the interaction.
Instead, take the time to send a follow-up message within 24-48 hours. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged, and express interest in staying connected. A simple email or LinkedIn message can go a long way in turning a first meeting into a lasting relationship.
Pro Tip: Consistent follow-up helps you stay top of mind. Use reminders or a spreadsheet to track who you’ve connected with and when to follow up.
5. Don’t Be Pushy or Overly Aggressive 💼
Networking is about building relationships, not forcing them. Being overly pushy—whether it’s insisting on setting up a meeting, asking for a favor too soon, or dominating someone’s time—can make others uncomfortable.
Instead, focus on being respectful and patient. Let relationships grow naturally. If someone isn’t ready to connect further, thank them for their time and leave the door open for future opportunities. Networking is a long game, and pushing too hard can damage your chances.
Pro Tip: Respect boundaries and remember that networking is about mutual benefit. Building trust takes time, but it’s worth the effort.
How to Network the Right Way
Now that you know what not to do, here are some tips to help you make the most of your networking efforts:
- Be Authentic: People appreciate genuine interactions. Focus on building real connections instead of trying to impress.
- Give Before You Take: Offer help, resources, or introductions when you can. This builds goodwill and shows you’re not just in it for yourself.
- Stay Consistent: Networking isn’t a one-time event. Make it a habit to attend events, follow up, and nurture your connections regularly.
Final Thoughts
Remember, networking is about building relationships, not transactions. Approach it with authenticity, curiosity, and patience, and you’ll be well on your way to growing a strong, supportive professional network.
Ready to level up your networking game? Start by avoiding these five mistakes and focus on creating meaningful connections. The results might just surprise you!