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Networking Don'ts |Leila's House of Corrections

In the midst of a downturn, many people feel it is wise to expand their network, but often do it in a haphazard way. Don't try to skip rapport, the trust building part of the relationship, and be sure you're giving back as much as you receive. Most importantly, don't be pesky, or you might find your network is actually shrinking instead of growing.

Speaker: Leila Bulling-Towne, Executive Coach, The Bulling-Towne Group

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Tags: Leila's House of Corrections, networking, recession, relationship, business, contact, rapport, network, job

 
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    Giulia.Ranzuglia

    05/13/09 | Report as spam

    RE: Networking Don'ts |Leila's House of Corrections

    Great overview of the Networking "Don'ts" ... now, more than ever, networking is an extremely powerful job search strategy although very often misunderstood. This short video clearly explains what NOT to do when networking and what networking is NOT.

    thanks!
    Giulia

    Giulia Ranzuglia
    Career Coach

    http://www.careercoachingworldwide.blogspot.com/
    http://twitter.com/WorldwideCareer

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    2

    jimmy_james

    05/27/09 | Report as spam

    RE: Networking Don'ts |Leila's House of Corrections

    This is a great observation on networking Donts....the only problem is many begin to network often when they are out of a job.this then means working with despair,stress and anxeity.

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Networking Don'ts |Leila's House of Corrections

In the midst of a downturn, many people feel it is wise to expand their network, but often do it in a haphazard way. Don't try to skip rapport, the trust building part of the relationship, and be sure you're giving back as much as you receive. Most importantly, don't be pesky, or you might find your network is actually shrinking instead of growing.

During uncertain times, many people spend more time networking, yet they do it in a haphazard way. There are a few fundamental faux pas you need to avoid when reaching out and expanding your connections, so, come on managers, let's learn what not to do when networking.

 

Whether you're good at networking or find it a strain, networking etiquette will keep you on track. Here are 3 things to avoid.

 

#1: Skipping rapport.

Underestimating the value of rapport-of building rapport-is a huge mistake that can cost you big.

When you network, you're building a connection or re-establishing one, so it's crucial to take time to do that. Spend more time than you need to when networking face to face. Always kick off an email with 1-2 sentences that break the ice in a thoughtful way. For example, sending the person a link to an article you think they'd appreciate.

Rapport gets us to where we want to be: trusted, valued.   Stephanie Palmer's Good in a Room is a great book that speaks specifically to how to build rapport.

 

#2: Receiving and never giving

What do you do when you receive repeated email requests from someone? Delete!

This isn't a one-way street. If you need help, be clear and direct in a personal way and be ready to reciprocate. In fact, if it's an email, close it with something like,    I'd like to do the same thing for you. Please review my LinkedIn contacts or give me a call and let me know how I might help you-now or in the future.   

 

#3: Assuming that everyone wants to help and can

Think about the impact of your network like concentric circles. You're at the center and those closest to you-family, friends, long-time peers and managers-are in the next ring. They know you and your strengths the best. They are the people most invested in your success. Start there.

As you move farther away from the center, the value of your network decreases. These are people who know you but aren't as familiar with your talents. They can help but they may be less keen or able.

 

Regardless of your approach to networking, be sure to avoid being too demanding or making a pest of yourself. This kind of behavior is only likely to make your network smaller, the opposite of what you need right now.