Networking has suddenly become more important than ever before. With the fast speed at which information flows today, a big network is definitely a boon. Whether you a looking for a career leap, a new house or a new home for your pet, your social network is the solution to all such needs. The greater the size of your network, more help you can extend to others and greater the help you can receive. How to do it the right way? Below are some common networking mistakes that we all tend to make and what we can do about them.
Social Media Mistake#1: Being Self Centered
Solution: Talk less, Listen More
Networking has no place for one-way communication. If you are always talking about yourself, what you like and dislike, what you just ate, what you are doing etc, people often tend to unsubscribe from your updates and unfollow you. It is good to love yourself, but not so much that the others feel ignored.
Listen to what your friends are talking about and participate in those conversations. Edify your friends at every given chance and let your other friends know if someone does a great job. Everybody is seeking attention and needs appreciation. If you give it to others, others would naturally give it back to you too. Reply to their posts, and mention them in relevant posts to make them feel you are interested in them.
Social Media Mistake 2: Using network solely for career prospects
Solution: Be natural. Let your actions speak for you
Okay, a very common activity done by newbies is to ask for a job from every one they meet. Yes, it is true that you never know who can help you with a new job, but asking everyone all the time makes them feel like just a medium to be used. Networking is all about building relationships. Listen to them, know about them and see how you can add value to something in their life. Then ask them if they can give you the opportunity or refer you elsewhere. Desperation will not lead you anywhere. If you attend a seminar, share it with your contacts. If you are volunteering somewhere, share that too. This way, they will know what you do and will remember to refer you when the opportunity arises.
Social Media Mistake #3: Forgetting to Show Gratitude
Solution: Get it in the habit
Saying thanks is the best way to feel good and create a good impression. Make it a habit to say thanks after every communication. Trust me, you will always find a reason to say thanks. It is that easy. You build a good reputation and a good relationship by letting the other person know that he is not being taken for granted.
Social Media Mistake #4: Not Keeping in Touch
Solution: Keep in touch. People will remember you when they know you remember them.
If you are thinking of someone whom you have newly met or met after a long time, let them know. Do not assume that they must not be remembering you. Every time you get in touch with someone in your network, you are strengthening the relationship. Do what you say and don’t say what you would not do. It is that simple.
Social Media Mistake #5: Do Not Spam
Solution: Control your feelings. Share Impactful messages.
If you are passionate about a social cause, started a new business or just got your first book published, share the enthusiasm, but not 5 times a day.
It is important to maintain the balance in social media networking sites. Do not post updates 20 times a day and do not repeat an update again during the same day. Keep it moderate and update your wall maximum 3 to 5 times a day. Let your friends stick around to find out more. This also applies to game requests and irrelevant promotional tagging.
Overall, just remember that networking comes with all the other benefits but basically it is about building good and strong relationships. Do not focus too much on your immediate expectation from the network but just be around for others. Very soon, you will not even know how the work gets done in no time. That is the power of a strong network. So build the foundation right and see the rewards for the rest of your life.
About the author: Alia Haley is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside this she is fond of gadgets. Recently an article on wireless routers attracted her attention. These days she is busy in writing an article on golf bags.
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