Four Networking Mistakes for Startups to Avoid

Four Networking Mistakes for Startups to Avoid

Networking is essential for startups, whether you are launching a basic blog or a major ecommerce operation. However, if you go about it the wrong way you could end up turning off potential contacts before you get the chance to work together. Rather than forging relationships with clients, investors, and co-conspirators, you could be unwittingly closing doors and burning bridges. Here are four common networking mistakes that startup entrepreneurs make. Learn to recognize them so that you can avoid these pitfalls.

1. Asking for something upfront.

If you’re only approaching networking in the hopes of getting something from other people, that’s an attitude that most likely won’t pan out in your favour. You should be focused on building relationships rather than currying favours immediately, or you’ll quickly get a bad reputation as a user. Simply speaking to someone involves them giving you their time, which is a valuable asset in itself. Be grateful, and work towards providing something of value in return as you’re just starting out. You could mention your new certificate of training and assessment and suggest you could share your knowledge at their workplace, or give details of an upcoming event that you think you’d both benefit from attending. Work on cultivating this relationship before you go in for the kill by asking someone to mentor you or give you money.

2. Being unprepared for networking events.

Whether it’s an online webinar or an in-person conference, going into it without preparation is just shooting yourself in the foot. To begin with, you shouldn’t agree to attend every networking invitation that comes your way. Instead, focus on the social or business events that will be most interesting and useful to you. Then focus your time and effort on getting to know who will be there, and learn a bit about them. Read the agenda in advance and research the keynote speakers so that you have something to talk about. A simple glance at a person’s LinkedIn profile should give you some areas of common ground.

3. Waiting for others to come to you.

While immediately asking for favours from people you don’t know falls at one end of the spectrum, holding back because you don’t want to bother anyone is another major networking no-no. As a startup owner, you are going to have to be willing to put yourself on the line a bit. Remember, networking events are designed for interaction. If you’re naturally shy, try networking via social media, blogs, and online forums to begin with. Online networking can be just as effective, but you may need to make the first move.

4. Forgetting to follow up.

Whether you feel more comfortable networking in person or online, keep the conversation going by remembering to follow up. Send a quick invite on LinkedIn, an email thanking the person for their time, or a quick phone call inviting them for a cup of coffee. However, one thing to bear in mind is that you need to take your contact’s professional standing into account. If you’re trying to follow up with a busy executive, be professional and don’t forget to include a reminder of what you can do for them. Send them a link to a video or upcoming event that might be of interest, for example.

Networking is a necessary evil for startups, but you can avoid the most common problems by making an effort, doing your research, and applying the correct level of pressure to an important new relationship.

Image Source: Pixabay