Networking can work for everyone, but it doesn’t mean you can just follow the steps and land your dream job as a result. Networking is only effective when you use the right strategies. Here are some of the most common mistakes executives make in their networking efforts.
Do not heat your contacts
With such a busy schedule, combined with not seeing your contacts in person often, contacts can quickly and easily freeze. It can be easy to lose touch with your professional network. However, the key to c-level personal branding is to always work to improve your image and brand. Any LinkedIn profiler will tell you that if you cold contact a contact and act like you saw them yesterday, your efforts won’t pay off very well. Just like you have to build a relationship with any new contacts you make, you have to warm up the relationship with current contacts.
being too lazy
When you visit the best executive resume writing services, they won’t tell you to be vague on your resume. The same goes for networking. If you don’t go into a networking event with a clear goal in mind as to why you’re going, you’ll leave feeling empty. Before you even attend an event, write a list of the things you want to accomplish, and more importantly, what you are looking for in your career. Anticipate the questions people may ask you so you know how to respond. Also, find out which organizations will be at the event and plan who to meet while you’re there.
Choosing the wrong people
You may be talking to the wrong people. In most cases, if you’re new to an area or industry, you can’t just talk to your previous contacts and hope to get somewhere. This is why LinkedIn profile development is so critical in networking, as you can make connections no matter where you are. There are plenty of LinkedIn groups available to help you get acquainted with the right kind of people before you even meet them.
Lack of profesionalism
Take time to update your LinkedIn profile. Go through your Facebook account and remove photos you shouldn’t have posted. A potential employer is not interested in what you did over the weekend or what you had for dinner.
Professional Resume Services provides not only the best executive resume writing services, but can also help you with your LinkedIn profile development.
