How to Avoid the Biggest Networking Mistakes in ANY Social Situation

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection Start posting on LinkedIn with our FREE list of 20 Things to Post on LinkedIn: https://www.cassthompson.com/linkedin20 In this SUPERSIZED episode of the Creating Opportunities Podcast, host Cassandra discusses the most common networking mistakes that professionals make and offers actionable advice on how to avoid them. The episode focuses on building authentic relationships rather than treating networking as a transactional exercise. Key mistakes covered include only reaching out when you need something, failing to follow up, making conversations all about yourself, not having a clear ask, and ignoring online networking. Cassandra provides tips such as maintaining consistent contact, sending follow-up messages within 24-48 hours, engaging others in meaningful conversations, making specific asks, and leveraging online platforms for networking. Additionally, the episode highlights mistakes commonly made during networking events and one-on-one meetings, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and balanced conversations. 00:00 Introduction to Networking Challenges 01:15 Biggest Networking Mistake: Only Reaching Out When Needed 02:55 Importance of Consistent Follow-Up 05:19 Avoid Making Conversations All About You 08:43 The Power of a Clear Ask 12:11 Don't Ignore Online Networking 14:21 Networking at In-Person Events 22:08 Navigating Networking Conversations 22:40 Authentic Questions to Ask 23:16 Handling Awkward Networking Moments 24:08 Confidently Connect Workshop 24:30 Mistake #4: Getting Stuck in One Conversation 25:40 Mistake #5: Not Following Up 28:04 Biggest One-on-One Networking Mistakes 28:32 Mistake #1: Making It All About You 33:52 Mistake #2: Oversharing Too Soon 35:58 Mistake #3: Treating It Like a Sales Pitch 38:12 Mistake #4: Having Too Formalized an Agenda 42:03 Mistake #5: Adding People to Your Email List Without Permission SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️ Contact: [email protected] www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsulting ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot!