1. Most people don’t network enough. You should be networking online, on networks like LinkedIn, AND also face to face. A good combination is to start relationships online and then follow up with face to face meetings for coffee. If face to face is not possible you can use video conferencing such as Skype. Meetups are a great place to meet new people, join professional meetings and events. Try to attend 3-4 meetups a month.

1. Networking success is not measured by the number of business cards you hand out. You want to have meaningful conversations with people, start building a relationship. When you’re networking in person, it’s about the quality of the relationships that you make rather than the quantity. You want people to remember you when an opportunity that meets your skills comes up.
2. Do not stumble in your introductionand talk vaguely about your experience and what you are looking for. You want to have your elevator pitch ready so that you can succinctly and effectively describe who you are, and what you are looking for. Watch this webinar to build your Elevator Pitch.
3. Networking is not a one-way street,it is about building a relationship. It is a game of give and take. Ask what you can do for the person you are talking with, before you ask what they can do for you?
4. Avoid yes or no questions. Use open ended questions to keep the conversation going. People usually like to talk about themselves, ask them about their role, career path etc.
5. Not taking their contact details. Always try to get the other person’s business card. Having their contact details allows you to follow up with them and not just wait for them to contact you. If they do not have a business card on them, you can use one of your cards and ask them to write their contact details on it.
6. Do not be negative.Keep a positive attitude, believe in yourself and think about the benefits you can achieve from the event you are attending. No one wants to hear about the horrible boss you had, and that you can’t find work. People like to talk to people with a positive attitude.
7. Not following up. You started something, follow it through. Send a thank you note to the people you met to show them you appreciate the time they spent with you. Keep your word and follow through with anything you said you would do/provide. Show them that you are dependable, and that you deliver on your promises.
8. Not thanking your network.Thank your contacts whether they are able to help you or not. This is common courtesy.  People like to feel appreciated. If you don’t thank people, do not be surprised if in the future, you do not hear back from them.

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Need more networking tips?

Watch IamBackatWork’s webinar on Networking.

Watch PR expert and mentor Robin Samora’s free webinar to learn 10 Personal Branding Secrets to Get a Job.

Miki Feldman Simon, Founder & CEO IamBackatWork