Networking is not my forte; in fact, I am more comfortable at times just being the wallflower. That’s why I am looking forward to reading the new book “Make Your Contacts Count: Networking Know-How for Business and Career Success” by Anne Barker and Lynne Waymon.
From the book, the authors made a list of the top 10 expressions people use when they are talking about networking that can make you cringe:
- Schmoozing = this word makes networking seem so slimy and insincere. Networking is about teaching your contacts to believe in your character and competence so they want to work with you, send business your way or hire you
- 30 Second Commercial = while you want to “sell yourself” you don’t want to appear as too much of a hard sell
- Pick Your Brains = this expression makes the authors think of vultures coming in for the kill; and wish that people would instead say “I’d like to get your thoughts about something.”
- Work a Room = this phrase sounds as if you intend to work people over and take all you can. Instead, focus on listening and showing others what they can count on you for and what kinds of opportunities to send your way.
- Information Interview = You can make networking a way of life — at professional meetings, backyard barbeques and all kinds of professional and social venues.
- Tricks of the Trade = there should be no “tricks when you network; only upfront, clear offers to be helpful to each other
- Favor Bank = give without strings, without expectations of getting — that’s the way to create a network that works
- Power Lunch = this term sounds too much as if you value people just for their positions
- Business Card Exchange = your goal is to build real connections, not “cardboard connections”
- Important People = give your whole attention to the person you are with. Anyone can turn out to be a valuable contact!
