Every professional recognises the importance of building a solid network in their careers. A strong network can provide mentorship when in doubt and new opportunities for a change or career enhancements. Virtual networking opportunities have expanded broadly. Physical events have transformed and are available on a virtual platform.
There are no set rules that tell us about the right or wrong way of building a network, but at the same time, it is crucial to understand the common mistakes that could weaken your position in your network. Understand more about performance marketing. For example, you might have often noticed how the most well-intended email or messages could make the receiver uncomfortable. With the expansion of virtual networks, we should learn how to effectively communicate our message to our existing network and the future contacts that we build.
Following are 7 of the most common mistakes that might seem small or insignificant but can be crucial in maintaining as well as expanding your virtual network:
- Failing to establish boundaries – We have all been trying to normalise the virtual landscape of networking and communicating, and many might expect an immediate response or action in their communications. Setting clear and compelling ground rules and keeping in mind the intentions of both sides is crucial. The bandwidth of both sides should be made transparent is one of the most accurate practices of virtual networking.
- Focusing entirely on building new contacts – While it is highly encouraged to expand your virtual network regularly, it is also equally important to stay in touch with the contacts you already have. The kind of busy lives we lead today makes us lose touch with the people we already know. It can be tough to maintain a long-term conversation on the virtual platform. Still, when you have valuable contacts, initiating periodic conversations while keeping in mind that your initial conversation can help maintain those contacts for a long time. It ensures that both ends of the communication equally benefit from the relationship.
- Mailing without prior engagement/set context – One should avoid sending emails to their contacts without providing context first. When communicating with a new contact, you should first create a strong foundation for the relationship to build on. For example, you could first interact with them directly or search for mutual contacts who could introduce you to them. When initiating an interaction with a new contact, try to research them and find common ground to talk about. When you’ve created an engagement with the contact, move to mails to further carry out your conversation.
- Ignoring the accessibility of virtual events – Technology has disadvantages, too; many entities struggle with digital networking. When networking virtually, it is essential to keep account of who can access your events. When one tries to build a virtual space, it becomes essential for them to see if it is accessible to people from different backgrounds and with different skill sets.
- Neglecting reciprocity – Like any other healthy relationship in the real world, virtual connections also require a certain level of reciprocity. Networking comprises numerous opportunities to gain insight and value and demonstrate your abilities and the addition that you can offer to your contacts. Your aim should be providing and looking for the benefits that one can achieve from this relationship. Always approach contact with something you can give them in return for what they have for you.
- Casual mode of conduct – Since we are working from our homes, where we have always conducted ourselves casually, it is instinctual for us to do the same in the interactions that we carry out from our homes over the virtual landscape. When attending meetings virtually, you should remember to present yourself like you would in any formal setting. It sends out the message that you are serious about the conversation you are carrying out with the other party and increases the weight of the message you are trying to put across.
- Forgetting the importance of face-to-face contact – You should also try to meet the contacts in person even though you have built strong connections online. Go for physical modes of meeting once in a while and ask them for their permission to maintain the relationship by staying in touch. Meet as many people as you can and spend some time with them because the way you carry yourself in the real world can leave a strong impression on the other person.
So, the next time you’re on the virtual platform to interact with people, try keeping these points in mind.