The Do's and Don'ts of Networking

Professional networking can enhance your career by increasing your contact list and opening new opportunities. For many people, learning how to network properly takes a sustained effort. When you're navigating the art of networking, adhering to the basic do's and don'ts can save time and prevent embarrassing faux pas.

Do: Start Early

Professional networking is an ongoing process that lasts throughout your entire career. Don't wait until you need something, such as a job or a connection. Start early. By networking before you need to, you enjoy the process of building connections without pressure. The extra time enables you to form strong relationships — when you do need a favor, your contacts are more likely to step up.

Don't: Dismiss People

When you enter a professional networking event, it's natural to assess the room and pinpoint the people who seem the most influential. That's fine as long as you don't automatically dismiss people who seem to be unimportant. Not only does doing so make you appear shallow and power-hungry, it also ensure that you miss out on valuable connections. After all, a receptionist might have access to a variety of key industry players, and a lowly copy editor may have important insights. Instead of choosing people based on perceived power, reach out to a variety of people to diversify your network.

Do: Add Value

One of the most important things you can do during professional networking is to add value. At an event, take the focus off yourself. Listen carefully to other people. If you see that two of your contacts could benefit each other professionally, make the introduction. After a particularly engaging conversation, email a link to a relevant article or send over a book. You make stronger connections and establish yourself as a team player by focusing on the needs of others.

Don't: Neglect Your Presentation

Appearance matters in professional networking, both online and offline. Other people make unconscious assumptions about you based on your clothing, hairstyle and general presentation. Don't make the mistake of thinking that your personality alone wins over others. If your clothes are wrinkled and you over-indulge on happy hour drinks, you may never get the chance to win anyone over.

At an in-person event, ensure that you're neat and well-groomed. Dress appropriately for the venue, choosing clothing that emulates the type of professional you want to be. Your LinkedIn profile photo should follow the same pattern. Avoid the temptation to use an old snapshot or a heavily edited picture. Instead, use a neat, professional photo that looks like the best version of yourself on a normal day. In doing so, you make it easier for contacts to recognize you in person.

Learning how to network is a much smoother process when you know the lay of the land. By understanding the unspoken etiquette of professional networking events, you shorten the learning curve and find your groove faster.

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