Networking is a scary prospect for a lot of people. Seeking out events, speaking to new people and trying not to feel imposter syndrome while doing so can be intimidating for new entrepreneurs (and even seasoned ones). And while many entrepreneurs will give networking their best effort, they may end up accidentally sabotaging their efforts if they’re not careful.
To help, 10 members of Young Entrepreneur Council discuss some of the seemingly harmless habits or actions that could actually be hindering new entrepreneurs’ networking success. Consider their advice for what to do instead in order to get the most from your networking experiences.
Members pictured from left to right.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.
1. You’re Unclear About Your Purpose And Goals
You may sabotage your networking efforts by being unclear about your aims and intentions. This can result in poor time management and confusion for those you encounter. Uncertainty about what you intend to achieve through networking might make it difficult for others to see how they can support you. I’ve seen many new entrepreneurs show up to networking events with no concept of what they want to accomplish or whom they want to meet. This frequently leads to random interactions that do not result in essential connections or possibilities. When you’re networking, it is critical to conduct research, define precise goals and devise a strategy for achieving them. – Chimezie Emewulu, Seamfix Limited
2. You’re Trying To Sell Your Product Or Service
Networking is a long-term strategy for a sale. Your main focus at a networking event should be building relationships. It’s best to approach networking by offering some sort of advice or conversation without expecting something in return. Avoid sabotaging yourself by not trying to earn a quick win by pitching your product or service. – Chase Williams, Market My Market
3. You’re Failing To Follow Up
One way a new entrepreneur might be accidentally sabotaging their networking efforts is by not following up with contacts. If entrepreneurs fail to follow up, they risk losing the connection and the potential opportunities that come with it. When I was a new entrepreneur, I was very focused on making a good impression at networking events. I would talk to everyone and exchange cards, but I didn’t make a habit of following up. I realized I was missing out on potential opportunities because I was not keeping in touch with the people I had met. I started to make a point of following up with my contacts. Because of that, I noticed a significant difference in the number of connections I was making and the opportunities coming my way. – Candice Georgiadis, Digital Day
4. You’re Too Focused On Promoting Your Past
An easy way to sabotage your networking efforts is by talking too much about past credentials. New entrepreneurs tend to want to “prove” themselves. However, they forget that it’s not about what you’ve done but what you can do moving forward. Instead, focus on how you can offer value to other parties, making it easier to generate interest, build relationships and deliver value. It might seem harmless to promote your past work, but it’s more important to discuss what you can offer to other people today. – Firas Kittaneh, Amerisleep Mattress
5. You’re Casting Too Wide A Net
A common mistake I’ve seen entrepreneurs make while networking is viewing each event or contact as merely a game of numbers. They cast a wide net as far and as wide as possible without putting enough effort into building real connections with people whose backgrounds or interests align closely with their own needs. Meeting lots of people may seem like an effective strategy until you consider that quantity does not always mean quality—especially in forming meaningful long-term partnerships or collaborations. Plan networking with a well-defined goal when reaching out to potential contacts. Consider the primary purpose for connecting with every person so you can leverage relationships in meaningful ways and ultimately achieve the desired outcome. Networking is a business strategy – Tonika Bruce, Lead Nicely, Inc.
6. You’re Forgetting To Leverage Your Existing Connections
A new entrepreneur might accidentally sabotage their networking efforts by not leveraging existing connections. Although it’s important to build relationships from scratch, don’t forget that you have resources and contacts in your own network that can help you expand even further. For example, if you meet someone new, ask them for introductions to people who could help you grow. But even more helpful is to reach out to people in your existing network to strengthen your connection with relevant contacts. Working with your current network not only makes the practice of networking more efficient, but it will also open up more opportunities and help make the most of each connection. – Blair Williams, MemberPress
7. You’re Being Too Persistent
One way a new entrepreneur might be accidentally sabotaging their networking efforts is by being a little too persistent. It’s normal for you to drop a message or email someone and not hear back from them. Maybe your message didn’t reach them or maybe they were just too busy to respond. Even if they completely ignore your message, you should never resort to pestering them about it as it never leads to a positive outcome. Give them time to get back to you. If you don’t hear back from them, follow up on the concern but never flood their inbox with non-stop messages. This not only affects your reputation but also hinders your success as you’ve tunnel-visioned a few contacts or leads and completely ignored the rest. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
8. You’re Taking Without Giving
New entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of investing too much time and energy into taking without giving. This one-sided approach to networking can be damaging to relationships as it fails to recognize the value of collaboration. By only asking for help or advice from others, entrepreneurs may come across as self-centered and create a negative impression that could ultimately hinder their success. It’s important to remember that networking is a two-way street; by actively listening and offering valuable insights you will not only make meaningful connections but also increase your chances of success. – Pratik Chaskar, Spectra
9. You’re Being Openly Critical
New entrepreneurs need to be careful with what they say as well as what they do. They may be tempted to complain about their competition or reveal some tidbit about them they know from years past but that makes the entrepreneur look petty and desperate. This also applies to talking about their competitor’s service or product in a group. For instance, many business groups will use new businesses for events that include food service or displaying a product. An entrepreneur who vocally criticizes the food or product in front of others is going to hurt their own business. – Baruch Labunski, Rank Secure
10. You’re Failing To Prepare
One way a new entrepreneur might accidentally sabotage their networking efforts is through a lack of preparation. In a world where everybody is trying the networking hustle, stand apart. Look at networking with a service mentality. Think about how you can help the other person. Properly research the person you want to network with. Become the connector of people. Try to introduce somebody you know to somebody else who is looking for a great connection. Refer others and ensure that you have a kind word and a helping hand for anybody and everybody you meet. Study and learn from networking greats through books. Remember that humans are reciprocal in nature, so they will love to do the same and help you find newer, trusted connections. – Brian David Crane, Spread Great Ideas
