Choose an area of interest:
Search 

Choose an area of interest:


Survey Reveals Networking Mistakes


MENLO PARK, Calif., Apr. 22, 2003 Not asking people for help and failing to keep in touch with professional acquaintances are the top networking mistakes, according to a recent OfficeTeam survey.



Survey respondents were asked, "In your opinion, which one of the following is the biggest mistake people make when networking with professional colleagues?"  Their responses:
 
Not asking for help when they need it     37%
Not keeping in touch with contacts        25%
Not thanking people for their help        22%
Burning bridges with past employers 13%
Don't know/No answer 3%
 
"People often avoid asking for help for two reasons -- either they are embarrassed at needing assistance or they feel they can 'go it alone' and succeed without others' involvement," said Liz Hughes, executive director of OfficeTeam. 
 
"In this employment market, however, every contact counts," Hughes continued. "Building your network is tantamount to building your professional marketability and visibility. Of course, asking someone to lend a hand is much easier if you've been in regular contact with that person, which underscores the importance of keeping in touch with professional acquaintances."
Hughes offered the following tips for effectively tapping into your network:
  • Do the prep work. Give your contacts all of the information necessary to help you. For example, if you've asked someone to serve as a reference, provide that person with a copy of your resume, a brief description of the types of jobs you've applied for and the names of those who might be calling.
  • Don't beat around the bush. Be direct rather than hinting at the help you need. Also, let your contact know how much time you anticipate the favor will take. If it's more than an hour or two, you may want to rethink the request and find a way to spread it out.
  • Return the favor. Your contacts will be more motivated to help if you seek ways to assist them and are responsive to their requests.
  • Say thanks. Acknowledge everyone's efforts on your behalf with a thank-you note.

2003 SmartPros Ltd. All rights reserved.

Related Stories
 
 
Mingling Mindset: Workers Increase Networking Efforts

  Related Courses
 
Effective Benchmarking Studies

Before You Hire an Employee: Do's and Don'ts


 
Would you recommend this article?
5 (yes, highly)
4
3
2
1 (no, not at all)
Comments:


 
 
About SmartPros | Accounting Products | Professional Education | Marketing Services | Consulting | Engineering Products | Contact Us
2009 SmartPros Ltd.