This document discusses common networking mistakes and how to avoid them. It provides tips for improving networking skills, such as preparing a list of contacts and learning how to introduce oneself without sounding self-promoting. Some specific mistakes covered include not realizing the breadth of one's existing network, failing to properly work a room by focusing on others and exchanging contact information, and damaging impressions by criticizing past employers or forgetting basic etiquette like following up with a thank you. The overall message is that networking is an important skill that requires practice and awareness of potential missteps.

1. NetworkingNetworking
MistakesMistakes
Main AspectsMain Aspects

2. IntroductionIntroduction
 Plenty of qualified and
experienced workers are
now having to develop
strategies to improve their
networking.

3. IntroductionIntroduction
 And yet for many people,
networking is often an
underdeveloped skill.
 Because in their minds,
networking is associated with
self-promotion, politics and
inappropriate favors.

4. Networking - ImportantNetworking - Important
 Your network supports
and sustains you in the
good times, but is the
key to your survival in
the bad times.
 We have prepared a
list of some common
networking mistakes.

5. They think they don'tThey think they don't
know anyoneknow anyone
 We live in a networked age and most
of us are connected to more people than
we realize.
 And to be aware and to improve the
amount of people that we know, we
should:
 Prepare a list of work colleagues.
 Be part of: Facebook, LinkedIn,
Twitter, etc.

6. They don’t know how toThey don’t know how to
introduce themselvesintroduce themselves
 It can be hard to introduce yourself.
 It is important to think of ways to
introduce yourself and draw attention
in order to take the conversation
forward.
 That is why we should be prepared to
introduce yourself.

7. They soundThey sound
self-promotingself-promoting
 Learn how to sell yourself without
sounding like a salesman.
 Try to develop a STAR story.
 STAR stands for Situation, Task,
Achievements and Results.
 It's an easy way to tell a concise story
that lets your talents and achievements
speak for themselves.

8. They don’t know how toThey don’t know how to
work a room or a contactwork a room or a contact
 If you are going to an event, you need to know
what to do over there. And the purpose of the event
is to circulate among people.
 Focus on the other person by asking them what
they like about their job, how they got it and what
they would do if they were not in their current role.
 Exchange cards and don't be embarrassed about
moving on to the next person when the conversation
is at a natural end.

9. They criticize the people orThey criticize the people or
companies that worked forcompanies that worked for
 Try to be positive, upbeat and open
about your job and past experiences.
 Avoid sounding desperate or blaming
anyone involved in your professional
life.
 This will leave a bad impression and
could close off contacts before you can
begin to develop a relationship.

10. They forget to say thank-youThey forget to say thank-you
 Good manners are critical for
networking.
 Always thank a contact for their
time and advice, either in a
handwritten note or a follow-up email.
 And keep in touch — send them an
article or notice of an event that might
interest them.

11. Lico Reis Consultoria
& Línguas
Prof. Lico Reis
www.licoreis.com
licoreis@licoreis.com
E-books: www.migre.me/oQ5
Linkedin: www.migre.me/1d9r
Twitter: @licoreis