What are the most important things to avoid when building a network of contacts in Career Management?

For networking to be successful there needs to be perceived value on both sides. People often think that value has to be tangible in the form of a favour or an introduction to someone - tit for tat or "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine". But that's not the case. There are other forms of value people look for when building relationships - consciously or subconsciously. Does this person make me feel seen, heard and valuable? Does this person make me laugh or intellectually stimulate me? When you seek to understand the other person, take a genuine interest in them and demonstrate integrity by doing what you say you will do, they will naturally be drawn to you, want to stay in touch and help you.

Don't be all about yourself. Listen more, talk less, ask questions, and be helpful. It's about building trust and mutual support, not just self-promotion.

Building a network is about cultivating relationships, not just accumulating contacts. If we reframe networking as building reciprocal relationships instead of seeking favors, we create a more fulfilling, less transactional experience. In doing so, not only do we enhance our connections, but we also improve the outcomes of our networking efforts.

Knowing exactly what your career purpose is and what contributions you have made to prior organizations in the role you want. I have seen many people when in a job search reach out to their network for help but the problem is they don't quite know what they want or what they are exactly looking for in their next role. I find that people want to help other people but in order to do that you have to let them know first what you are looking for and how you are impactful in that role.

Self-centeredness is a single-minded focus on oneself and one's own needs, desires, preferences, and problems. Someone who is self-centered may be self respect.

Si esta buscando empleo y hace mucho no habla con alguien, lo peor que puede hacer en mi opinion, es volverse “simpatico “de la noche a la mañana para hacerle llegar su CV o el de un familiar. A nadie le gusta sentirse utilizado. El networking hay que construirlo, alimentarlo, dar y recibir. Hay que Ayudar, servir a los demas, hacer favores, compartir conocimientos, ser util y aun cuando nada garantiza que esas personas le corresponderán , habrá otras que si lo harán.

I've experienced this on LinkedIn, where professionals immediately ask for job referrals. This approach isn't effective. Referrals fundamentally require a relationship. When networking, the primary focus should be on building trust and identifying shared values, rather than focusing on immediate gains. It's about playing the long game, not looking for quick wins.

Zeit ist hier das Zünglein an der Waage. Gepaart mit dem Einfühlungsvermögen für meine*n Netzwerkpartner*in. Das ist nicht immer leicht, das verstehe ich. Aber ein Ausgleich mit den unterschiedlichen Interessen anzustreben, das finde ich wichtig. Dann gelingt es auch mit einem angenehmen Netzwerken.

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when networking is they are so vague about: - What they do - Why they're networking - What they need help with "I'm an HR Director" "I'm just here to meet interesting people." "I'm looking for a job - any job" Vague statements that leave people clueless in terms of what you do and what you want - meaning they have zero idea how to help you. Plus it's not particularly impressive and doesn't convey passion about your area of expertise when you answer this way. "I'm in the business of helping multinational companies achieve their ambitious growth targets by building and driving effective culture transformation strategies" creates a far more impressive image than "I'm an HR Director".

Self-centeredness is a single-minded focus on oneself and one's own needs, desires, preferences, and problems. Someone who is self-centered may be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings and may not be very attentive to the needs and perspectives of others.

Das ist wie so oft ein Kommunikationsthema. Schaffe ich es, klar auszusprechen, was ich möchte; welchen Nutzen ich schaffen kann und so weiter. Dann klappt es auch mit dem weiteren Austausch. Dafür kann oft das Profil genutzt werden. Wenn es denn gut ausgefüllt ist. Wozu ich dringend rate. Dann fällt es leichter in einen guten und zielorientierten Dialog einzusteigen. Deshalb mein Appell an alle - vor allem 50Plus: Nutzen Sie Ihr LinkedIn Profil professionell und zeigen Sie, was Sie können.

In my experience, I've found that maintaining consistent communication and effective follow-up is probably the most challenging aspect of networking. I advocate for a proactive approach and prioritizing meaningful connections. Here are some strategies that have proven to work for me: - Extend season's greetings and acknowledge special occasions, showing genuine thoughtfulness. - Share valuable resources like book or podcast recommendations - Initiate discussions by sharing articles and expressing your perspectives. - Keep your contacts informed about significant developments in your life and career. By doing this you will foster connections through thoughtful gestures which establishes a foundation for mutually beneficial collaborations.

Das ist so wichtig. Konsequent aktiv zu bleiben. Sich immer wieder mal mit einer netten Nachricht in Erinnerung rufen. Neue Kontakte herzlich begrüßen. Auf Events, Erkenntnisse und so weiter hinweisen, damit mein Gegenüber einen Mehrwert hat. Auch zwei Kontakte miteinander verbinden, wenn es passen kann. Wobei ich rate, vorher danach zu fragen. Dann erst den Kontakt herzustellen. Z.B. in einer gemeinsamen Nachrichtengruppe.

Stories and real connections matter in networking. It's not just what you know but who you know and how you relate. Your network is your career's lifeline.

Netzwerken ist ein ständiger Austausch und bedarf intensiver Aktivität. Der Grundsatz "mehr geben als nehmen" hilft dabei weiter. Das kommt letztendlich vielfach zurück. Aber. Man muss sich natürlich bewusst sein, dass das viel Zeit bedarf. Und eines normalen höflichen Verhaltens.

Networking é sobre ser interessante, e não interesseiro. Ao construir uma rede de contatos, é crucial evitar abordagens estritamente transacionais e falta de autenticidade. Investir tempo, dar antes de receber e manter o contato são práticas essenciais para estabelecer conexões significativas. Diversificar a rede, participar ativamente de eventos e definir objetivos claros são fundamentais, assim como o acompanhamento profissional e a paciência para resultados a longo prazo. Ignorar a diversidade na rede e ser passivo na construção são armadilhas a serem evitadas, garantindo uma abordagem eficaz e duradoura na expansão de conexões profissionais.

Share what you know, be a friend, and build trust. Networking is an investment in your career; Be yourself, show gratitude, and help others.

En mi experiencoa, leer en Linked In los Comentarios de las personas ,da una informacion muy valiosa. Especialmente en el caso de los jovenes, cuando se tocan temas que pueden generar discordias,y no estan de acuerdo, es muy facil ver quien es agresivo, como manejan la presion, que tanto escuchan las opiniones de los demas, y lo que mas queda en evidencia es su inteligencia emocional y nivel de tolerancia. No todos los reclutadores tienen tiempo de seguir a sus candidatos, pero si lo hacen, con los finalistas, es como un assessment gratis, corto, que les da mucha información y herramientas para generar hipótesis que en una entrevista podran confirmar, segun los requerimientos de soft skills del cargo.

Don't collect contacts, build relationships! Firstly, don't forget that networking isn't a transactional process. Don't approach it with a 'what's in it for me' attitude. Instead, seek to build genuine relationships. Secondly, avoid bombarding new contacts with immediate and multiple requests. Patience and courtesy go a long way. Lastly, not following up. This is a cardinal sin in networking. A follow-up message can be a game-changer, but many forget to do it. Remember, the quality of your network is more important than the quantity.

Acho que o mais importante de tudo que foi falado aqui, quando a gente pensa em relacionamento e não interagir com uma pessoa apenas pelo interesse. Sei que toda relação é uma troca e alguém em um determinado momento está interessado em algo. Mas pense que você precisar oferecer algo em troca para depois querer colher e nem sempre isso acontece de imediato. Pense em pessoas que são relevantes ter no seu ciclo, seja pela forma de pensar, locais que frequenta, energia que carrega e etc.