Whether online social networking or local in-person networking events, one of the biggest mistakes that might keep you wondering, “why am I not getting any clients?” or “why am I not getting any job leads?” is what I call – corrupt connections. They are like a run-away freight train. Here are some top faux pas you might be committing that may cause that corruption without you even knowing it:
1- Picture failure.
- Do you have a recent photo in your online profiles? I don’t mean one when you were 50 pounds lighter. Nor one when you were a brunette and now you are blonde. A photo that either is or at least looks professionally taken. If you are using one of the dreadful online default avatars, don’t! Get yourself to a professional photographer, or have a friend take a good photo of you or as a last resort go ahead and use an outdated one. Just not that high school photo from 10 or more years ago, please. Would you go to a networking event with a bag over your head? Then show up online with your face.
2- Send the standard ho-hum, make me yawn, “I’d like to connect with you,” invitation.
- While it isn’t always the situation I’ve found that many people who do this are merely interested in the numbers game. Sure you’re busy! Aren’t we all? How long does it take for you to scan a profile, comment on it, and then use that in your introduction? Doesn’t this sound a heck of a lot better, “I noticed you’ve traveled to Italy several times? So have I. Would you like to connect here?”
3- What happens online stays online.
- If you are networking you must want some kind of a connection. A client, a referral, a new job. Bridge the gap between the silence of online and the reality that you will likely have to either talk or meet in person for many outcomes. Ask your new connection to telephone talk, use Skype or if the geography warrants it, meet in-person.
4- You hesitate or don’t state what you want.
- Is it just me or do people who connect with you online often ask, “How can I help you?” For me I’m often project focused and from there I can clearly state my wants. Actually, having said that, I more times than not know exactly what I want and I have the courage to ask for it. If you cannot clearly tell someone what you want, figure out what’s causing that and then, one person at a time, start to ask for what you want.
5- It’s more about you.
- I’ve recently been online and with in-person speaking events been talking about getting what you want from networking more quickly. Scary thought? The quickly part. It happens all the time. But the point of introduction, online or in-person, that is like a run-away freight train to derailing this is to start off by talking about you, your company, your product, your services and in a selling like manner. Look. Don’t you know enough about yourself? How about turning things around and get to know the other person? Novel concept huh. Get to know your prospect before you go down the wrong track. Be other focused.
A few years ago my son, who plays guitar, introduced me to Elizabeth Cotton who wrote and sang a song, Freight Train.
The title makes me think about how so many of us lead parts of our lives like freight trains today, including our networking. Watch and listen to the video if you like. But then, go back to your online profiles, add your photo, and get back on track to making more meaningful connections.
What ways can you think of that either you or people you may have met have corrupted a networking connection with you?