Last week I wrote about networking, and while that’s always a good thing to do, there are also absolutely things to avoid.
First of all, try not to think of networking as a means to an end. Yes, it’s important for your career growth, but if you only focus on what you will get out of the process, the people you connect with are likely to feel used and not be inclined to continue supporting you. I had to turn down a client once because all he wanted me to do was introduce him to hiring managers so he could tell them why they should hire him. That’s not how hiring works, for starters, and also it had the possibility of damaging any relationships I had with those hiring managers!
Second, try not to think of your network as a springboard only for you. Relationships are, well, relational, so your connections should be mutually beneficial. Have you ever had a “friend” who never wanted to hear your concerns or problems? You’re probably not still friends with that person—and you definitely don’t want to become that person! Seek to be of help before you seek help for yourself.
Lastly, try not to think of your network as something that will be immediately helpful to you. Think of it, instead, as a long-term investment. You want to learn about your connections and how you can be helpful to them, and they want to learn the same about you. Cultivate those connections now and you will find them incredibly helpful when you find yourself looking for a new job.
