Networking – what to do and what to avoid? Watch out for basic mistakes

Don't be general or specific

Many people send identical messages on LinkedIn massively, which will not interest anyone.

– It is impossible to establish a “blind” relationship – says Jasmine Escalera, a career adviser from Myperfectresume. – It doesn't mean you can't write to someone you don't know, but you can't do it without any point of attachment – he adds.

As Escalera explains, it's not just about professional connections – a joint hobby or university also count. In online contact, instead of sending formulas, it's better to take a moment and write something from yourself.

Madeline Mann, a career trainer and head of Self Made Millennial, thinks similarly. – If you want to ask someone for 15 minutes of conversation, show that you spent your 15 minutes to prepare – says.

But the very presence in social media is not enough. Brandon Dock, managing director at the TGC Search recruitment agency, points out that face to face contact works best.

– I always say: social media and other online tools are just one of the methods. It is a mistake to think that this is enough – says Dorie Clark, communication trainer, lecturer at Columbia Business School and author of the book “The Long Game”.

Professionalism is always included

– Good if you find a common topic with another person, but remember: it's still a professional meeting. At live events, it is worth limiting yourself to one glass – emphasizes Escalera.

If you contact online, watch the tone of speech and take care of a coherent, professional image.

Both Escalera and Lisa Richey, founder of the American Academy of Etiquette, point out that younger generations – especially the Z generation – sometimes have difficulty sense of the border between a loose tone and exaggerated loose.

– A hand grip is a classic. It always works – says Richey. “It's a signal of confidence and good presence,” he adds.

Dress like people in your industry dress, but better

Since we meet live again, clothing matters, but it does not always mean a suit.

– Dress like a typical employee in your industry, just add something more to it – explains Mann. A safe choice – regardless of gender – will be an elegant shirt. Escalera advises to bet on one characteristic element that will be remembered.

However, the style must be adapted to the context. A suit at a meeting with lawyers? By all means. At the technological event? It can be an exaggeration.

The same applies to online meetings.

“Take care of what you have in the frame, a hairstyle, a whole image,” says Richey. – Even on video calls you need to look as if you were ready for a professional meeting – he adds.

Don't start networking only when you're looking for a job

This is one of the most common mistakes. People remember building relationships only when they need help.

– All you need is a slight economic crisis and suddenly everyone begins to panic. Then networking accelerates rapidly – says Clark.

Only then you are one of many who want something. That is why it is worth taking care of relationships, even when you feel safe. Clark reminds that sometimes a simple SMS is enough, not to ask for something, but simply to let you know that you remember.

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There is no single recipe for maintaining acquaintances. Mann notes that valuable contacts can appear in the least expected places, so it's not worth keeping your passion only for yourself.

– You never know who knows someone you want to reach – says. – Maybe your hairdresser's cousin works in your dream company – he adds.

Don't just focus on yourself

Too many people treat networking as self -promotion.

– Stop focusing on who you know. Start noticing people – says Mann. She and Escalera advise to prepare specific questions that will show you that you are really interested in another person.

– Sure, it is worth having good self -presentation up your sleeve, but it is important that the conversation does not spin only around you – explains Escalera. – Otherwise the whole falls artificially and impersonally – he adds.

Do not overdo it with requests

Networking is based on exchange – but not every contact will endure the same weight.

– It should be remembered that different people have different influence and different possibilities. These are not symmetrical relationshipsE – says Clark. – You can ask for more than someone you know since yesterday – he adds.

Therefore, requests should be thought out and well suited to the relationship.

– It is best if you limit yourself to one specific case – emphasizes Clark.

Mann advises you to look at networking the opposite: not for an opportunity to “collect”, but to “give” something from yourself. Even if these are just travel tips or a good restaurant.

Regardless of the conversation, one does not change – gratitude.

– Always say a thank you later, preferably the same day – says Mann. – And be sure to return after a few weeks with information about how you used their advice – he adds.

The above text is a translation with American Business Insider edition