Networking Mistakes Marketing Professionals Make

🙅♂️ The 5 Biggest Networking Mistakes (and How to Fix Them): Most people struggle with networking because they only reach out when they need something. Networking has been instrumental to my career—breaking into tech sales, securing referrals, and helping others land jobs at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Snowflake, Databricks, and Microsoft. Here are five common networking mistakes and how to avoid them: 1. Reaching Out Only When You Need Something The best networking happens when there’s no immediate ask. Engage with people’s content, share insights, and offer help before ever making a request. 🔹 Who to follow: Nick Cegelski, Jen Allen-Knuth, Justin Welsh 2. Sending Generic Connection Requests If your request says, “I’d love to add you to my network,” you’re doing it wrong. Mention a shared interest, a mutual connection, or why their work stands out to you. A simple, “Really enjoyed your post on [topic]—would love to connect” goes a long way. 🔹 Who to follow: Ashleigh Early, Carole Mahoney 3. Neglecting Follow-Ups One conversation isn’t a relationship. Following up can be as simple as, “Thanks for your advice on [topic]. I applied it and saw [result].” Most people don’t do this, which makes you stand out. 🔹 Who to follow: Jeff Bajorek, Anita Nielsen, Amy Volas 4. Not Leveraging Your Existing Network Your next opportunity is more likely to come from a former classmate, ex-colleague, or past interviewer than a stranger. Stay in touch, reconnect, and don’t just rely on cold outreach. 🔹 Who to follow: Todd Caponi, Christine Rogers, Josh Braun 5. Not Setting a Networking Goal Networking shouldn’t be random. Set a simple habit: One new connection per week One virtual coffee chat per month One industry event per quarter 🔹 Who to follow: Amy Franko, Lori Richardson, Jason Bay The best opportunities come from who you know AND who knows you. 💎 What’s the best networking advice you’ve ever received? Drop it in the comments. #Networking #CareerGrowth #TechSales #LinkedInTips

Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn's Co-Founder, nailed it: "The biggest networking mistake you can make is asking for something instead of offering something." Yet I see senior professionals making this exact mistake daily. They slide into DMs with: "I'm looking for opportunities. Do you know anyone hiring?" Here's the truth: Nobody cares about your job search except you. But they DO care about their own problems and challenges. I've watched clients land $300k+ roles by flipping this script. Instead of asking "Can you help me find a job?" they asked "How can I help you solve this challenge?" One client connected with a VP of Engineering to share insights about a technical problem the company was facing. Six weeks later, that VP created a role specifically for him. The shift is simple: Move from "What can you do for me?" to "What can I do for you?" When you lead with value, relationships form naturally. When relationships exist, opportunities follow. The best job opportunities never get posted. They go to people already in the room when decisions get made. Stop networking for jobs. Start networking to add value.

Don’t be that person. I love connecting with people on LinkedIn, but some of these messages? Yikes. Let’s address a few common networking mistakes I see all too often… ❌ “Hi. Can I pick your brain?” Translation: “Can you give me free consulting without context?” ✅ Instead: Be specific. “I’m exploring optimization and have a question about [specific topic]. Would you be open to a quick chat?” ❌ “Can you help me break into [industry]?” Translation: “Please do my career planning for me.” ✅ Instead: Show effort. “I’ve been studying [skill/tool], and I’m stuck on [problem]. What do you recommend I focus on next?” ❌ “Hey, I’d love to collaborate.” Translation: “I want something, but I won’t tell you what.” ✅ Instead: Pitch with purpose. “I see you’re working on [project]. I have experience with [specific skill]. Here’s how I can help.” Networking is not about throwing a line into the void and hoping someone does the work for you. It’s about showing genuine interest, doing your homework, and respecting the other person’s time. Want to stand out in someone’s inbox? 💡 Be clear. 💡 Be concise. 💡 Show you’ve already taken the first step. The best connections come from effort, not copy-pasting the same vague message. Let’s do better, one DM at a time. #GetHired2025