6 Reasons Your Networking Isn’t Working

Instead of doing that, try this!

Are you not getting the calls and emails you were expecting after a recent networking session? Does the thought of networking with strangers make you shudder and want to hide under your desk? Don't feel trapped by social and business situations; figure out what you're doing wrong so that you can start networking the right way.

1. The crowd is too big. You may think you can talk to more people in this situation, but you can make more of an impact when there are fewer people in the room. Think of quality versus quantity.

2. You haven't created your identity. In order to hire you, prospective employers need to know who you are. Make yourself known to them by establishing your identity in what you can do for their business. Are you a master wordsmith? Make sure that part of you is noticed.

3. The group is too similar. If the people you're networking with aren't diverse in their careers, you're selling yourself short. Get involved in groups where people come from various business backgrounds so you can broaden your options.

4. It's all about you. Make sure that you're not doing all of the talking and remember that there is 'take' as well as 'give'. Keep in mind that you may be in a position to help someone else make a networking connection.

5. You don't have anything to say. Do your homework. Think about possible conversation topics ahead of the networking event so that you are prepared and able to contribute when the time comes.

6. You're wasting your time. If you keep trying different networking functions and continue to get no results, you need to stop and reevaluate your approach. Perhaps you would be more successful networking online through the plethora of social media platforms.

If you need to brush up on your networking skills, join us for A Networking Event You Won't Want to Miss from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Wednesday, May 22. This will be an interactive session lead by Clint Babcock of Sandler Training. Sign up now and don't miss out!

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