November 8, 2016

13 Reasons Why You’re Terrible At Networking

Life is all about who you know. So if you don’t know anyone, you need to get out and meet people. Networking plays a major role in your overall success. Make a point of pushing your comfort zone and interacting with other professionals, even if you’re absolutely terrible at networking.

Anxious wallflower standing by herself at networking event

Networking isn’t an easy task for everyone. Sure some people possess a natural gift of the gab, others are the life of the party, and a few can effortless talk to anyone about anything. Then there are the rest of us. We’re more introverted. We prefer to mingle with our circle of friends at the back of any networking event. It’s easier for us to be an apprehensive wallflower than an outgoing people person. Well this is something that needs to be fixed.

Anyone can learn to network. It isn’t rocket science. If you’re terrible at networking, maybe you’re making a few of these mistakes. Maybe you…

  1. Ask for favors before you give them.
  2. Always talk about yourself.
  3. Make the situation awkward.
  4. Need to improve your handshake.
  5. Have nothing to talk about.
  6. Don’t remember people’s names.
  7. Have a foul mouth.
  8. Speak poorly about other people.
  9. Don’t know how to start a conversation.
  10. Don’t talk to new people.
  11. Never follow up.
  12. Don’t let the other person talk.
  13. Are not very interesting.

Do any of these things apply to you? If so, you have room for improvement in the networking department. In fact, everyone can learn to be a better networker. We have lots of tips about networking that you can read on JobMonkey.com.

If you aspire to be a better networker, it’s not hard. Try to ask meaningful questions that show you are sincere and genuine. Be eager to honestly get to know other people. This will go along way. Remember that you can network anywhere because you never know who you’ll meet. Practice your skills until they become second nature.

These Are The Absolute Best Places To Network

It’s ok to step out of your comfort zone and try things out. If you fail, learn from your mistakes. If you succeed, perfect what worked. Networking is a bit of trial and error and with the right tactics and strategies you can be an ace networker – and that’s the ticket to getting ahead in the professional world. Now go out there and meet people.

See Also: 14 Networking Mistakes You Are Still Making

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