7 Networking Mistakes That Undermine Your Professional Success

In business and in life, your network is an asset. According to a study of University of Chicago alumni, “Entrepreneurs and investors found their professional networks to be most effective in helping them do due diligence on a market or opportunity, get management advice, learn about a new industry, find professional service providers, and identify best practices.” So why do so many businesspeople ignore their network or let it wither away? Here are seven habits that kill your network—and how to avoid them. 

1. Meeting only when you need something 

A huge networking faux pas is to contact someone for help only when you need a job or a favor. It sends a clear message that, “I only remember you when I want something.” You know how people say that your network is your net worth? Guess what? The only net worth you have is the people you’re helping. Genuine networking is not transactional. It’s a two-way street. 

2. Rejecting virtual substitutes 

While I’m sure you’ll agree that face-to-face interactions are best, there are a wide variety of virtual ways to meet that are almost as good. If you’re “too busy” to meet, message, or email anyone, you’re essentially telling the world, “I’m self-important, unavailable, and out of touch.” If you must skip social meetups, at least check in from time to time. 

3. Treating networking as peripheral to your work 

In my experience, successful networking is neither a hobby nor a sideline. It’s part of your career, pure and simple. It’s the activity that most differentiates the “making it” from the “trying to.” Think of your network as the oxygen tank that keeps your personal brand alive. 

4. Using your network for gossip 

It’s never a good idea to use any relationship as a platform for idle chitchat or to badmouth anyone. Word will get around about your own lack of trustworthiness and loyalty. Your network may be powerful, but silence about others’ reputations is golden. 

5. Ignoring people you deem “unimportant”

You may feel you have to interact with the “right” people to get the right opportunities—but how do you know who’s right for you? The person who ends up hiring you or giving you an opportunity might be the person you just met or the person you least expect. Ignore someone in a meeting, and everyone will notice. Treat everyone with respect, and no one will. 

6. Trying to impress instead of being yourself 

Think credibility instead of flash. Authenticity, respect, warmth, and good listening skills will bring you 100 times more mileage than your shiny résumé or self-promotion ever will. Put your network at the center of your interactions by making their lives better. Then, your life will get better, too. 

7. Assuming you don’t have a large enough network 

Chances are you know between 500 and 1,000 people in your personal and professional networks from all walks of life. They include former classmates, acquaintances, business and community contacts, and friends and family. But don’t forget that it’s not the size of your network that matters. Instead, it’s the quality.