{"id":522,"date":"2024-07-12T13:31:52","date_gmt":"2024-07-12T17:31:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.christianjobs.com\/articles-tips\/?p=522"},"modified":"2026-05-11T10:46:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T14:46:47","slug":"12-networking-mistakes-that-look-unprofessional","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.christianjobs.com\/articles-tips\/2024\/07\/12\/12-networking-mistakes-that-look-unprofessional\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Networking Mistakes That Look Unprofessional"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">7<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some professionals love to network, and some do not. No matter what side of the spectrum you fall on, networking can play a significant role in your professional career. So can your networking mistakes and goofs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Networking opportunities create connections that open up doors and opportunities you wouldn\u2019t have otherwise. When you are networking with other professionals, make sure you avoid these 12 mistakes or else risk appearing unprofessional to your peers and superiors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-unprofessional-networking-mistakes-to-avoid\" data-level=\"2\">Unprofessional Networking Mistakes To Avoid<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-1-showing-up-unprepared\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake #1: Showing Up Unprepared<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-2-promoting-yourself-too-much\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake #2: Promoting Yourself Too Much<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-3-don-t-fail-to-listen\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake 3: Don&#8217;t Fail to Listen<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-4-forgetting-names\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake #4: Forgetting Names<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-5-coming-across-as-overly-aggressive\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake #5: Coming Across as Overly Aggressive<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-6-being-dishonest\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake #6: Being Dishonest<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-7-failing-to-follow-up\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake #7: Failing to Follow Up<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-8-just-gathering-names-instead-of-making-connections\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake #8: Just Gathering Names Instead of Making Connections<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-9-showing-blatant-favoritism\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake #9: Showing Blatant Favoritism<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-10-expecting-job-opportunities\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake #10: Expecting Job Opportunities<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-11-forgetting-to-dress-for-the-occasion\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake #11: Forgetting to Dress for the Occasion<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mistake-12-getting-distracted\" data-level=\"3\">Mistake # 12. Getting Distracted<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-networking-mistakes-can-make-or-break-your-career\" data-level=\"2\">Networking Mistakes Can Make or Break Your Career<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-frequently-asked-questions\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-unprofessional-networking-mistakes-to-avoid\">Unprofessional Networking Mistakes To Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-1-showing-up-unprepared\">Mistake #1: Showing Up Unprepared<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you participate in a networking event, do not come unprepared. Know your audience and have good questions ready. Being unprepared doesn\u2019t leave a strong impression on anyone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, take some time to research the connections you\u2019d like to make in the networking opportunity. Write down questions and your goals for your interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-2-promoting-yourself-too-much\">Mistake #2: Promoting Yourself Too Much<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the words of the famous poet (ok, country musician), Toby Keith:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I wanna talk about me<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Wanna talk about I<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Wanna talk about number one<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Oh my me my<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Truth is, no one enjoys talking with someone who talks about themselves too much. While it\u2019s great to hear about other people, their stories, skills, and talents, it can also be draining. When networking, it\u2019s important to talk about yourself so others understand who you are and what you offer, but also don\u2019t speak of yourself too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-3-don-t-fail-to-listen\">Mistake 3: Don&#8217;t Fail to Listen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not only should you not talk about yourself too much, but you should also be careful to listen and pay attention. Listening is a critical part of conversations between two people. What you say is important, but how you <em>listen<\/em> is just as significant, if not more:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do your eyes glaze over as people are talking to you?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you check out and miss what they have to say?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Failing to listen can leave an extremely negative impression on those you\u2019re networking with. Don\u2019t just be a good talker but also a great listener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-4-forgetting-names\">Mistake #4: Forgetting Names<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you network, remembering those you\u2019re meeting is vital. Remember their names and significant points about the conversation. A small but important detail from the conversation can help you remember the person&#8217;s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If necessary, take notes after each interaction to help you remember these important details. You will leave a lasting impression by remembering someone\u2019s name and a connecting detail about them the next time you interact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if I meet Tom at an event and he mentions that he loves Disney World, I should remember that detail. Then the next time I see him, I can say, \u201cHey Tom! Great to see you again. Have you been to Disney World lately?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-5-coming-across-as-overly-aggressive\">Mistake #5: Coming Across as Overly Aggressive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t have to be aggressive while networking. Overly aggressive networking happens when we push too hard to make a connection. It can be a huge turnoff to those we\u2019re hoping to connect with. Even more importantly, it can leave the other person feeling you are an unsafe person with whom to form a relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you are overly aggressive while networking, you can develop a reputation that is hard to shake later. Just remember, networking relationships can be very significant for your career, but you have to be patient with the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-6-being-dishonest\">Mistake #6: Being Dishonest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you ever had a conversation with someone who frequently told small lies? While some may consider these white lies to be harmless, as they build up, they can have a detrimental effect on your reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continuously telling minor lies &#8211; no matter how insignificant they might seem &#8211; can lead others to perceive you as an untrustworthy and dishonest individual. It&#8217;s important to prioritize truthfulness and honesty in your interactions with others to be regarded with great honor and respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-7-failing-to-follow-up\">Mistake #7: Failing to Follow Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The impressions made during a networking opportunity matter, but the follow-up after the fact can be even more significant. After you\u2019ve made a connection, take the time to follow up, thank the person for their time, and let them know how excited you are about the opportunity to work together or connect again in the future. Failing to follow up is unprofessional and makes the connection less than memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-8-just-gathering-names-instead-of-making-connections\">Mistake #8: Just Gathering Names Instead of Making Connections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Networking is not about collecting names and business cards. The real goal of networking is to make meaningful connections. Remember, there is not a prize at the end of all of this for the person who collected the most names. Networks are great when they reach wide, but deeper and meaningful connections are far more significant. The connection is the prize, not the business card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-9-showing-blatant-favoritism\">Mistake #9: Showing Blatant Favoritism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be careful not to show favoritism in your networking. Remember, people are not valuable based on their influence, salary, or status. They are valuable because they are <em>people<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once at a networking event, I noticed a woman in the background having trouble connecting. I walked over to her, introduced myself, and made her feel comfortable and welcome for the rest of the day. Little did I know, she was actually the leader of one of the most influential organizations represented. Treat all people like they\u2019re valuable and they matter and you will make great connections!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-10-expecting-job-opportunities\">Mistake #10: Expecting Job Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to networking, it&#8217;s common to think of it as a quid pro quo situation, where if you help someone, they <em>must <\/em>help you in return. However, it&#8217;s important to manage your expectations. Going into a networking opportunity with the sole expectation of securing a great job offer can be counterproductive. It&#8217;s more beneficial to approach networking as a way to build relationships and learn from others, rather than just a means to an end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-11-forgetting-to-dress-for-the-occasion\">Mistake #11: Forgetting to Dress for the Occasion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ve heard the saying, \u201cDress for success\u201d. Failing to dress properly for meetings and interactions can look unprofessional. Don\u2019t be that person. This doesn\u2019t mean you have to be dressed up in a suit or a fancy dress for every interaction, but present yourself well when you\u2019re interacting with others. Show them that this opportunity matters to you and that it\u2019s important. It doesn\u2019t take a lot of effort, but make sure you put the effort in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mistake-12-getting-distracted\">Mistake # 12. Getting Distracted<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phones, other conversations, a waiter or waitress at another table, personal issues, or someone you might know sitting across the room are all distractions that can come up at any given moment. This is not an all-inclusive list but shows how many things can distract us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When networking, ensure the other person feels seen by paying attention to them and avoiding distractions. When you allow the distraction of your phone or something else to get in the way, you subconsciously communicate that the other person is not that important. This can have a very negative impact on your networking opportunity and your ability to connect.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-networking-mistakes-can-make-or-break-your-career\">Networking Mistakes Can Make or Break Your Career<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re introverted or extroverted, outgoing or shy, a go-getter, or more laid back, networking is an important part of your professional career. There are, however, so many mistakes that we can make when networking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you prepare for your next networking opportunity, remember this list of 12 networking mistakes that look unprofessional. Work on improving your networking experience by avoiding these 12 things.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some common questions Christian job seekers might ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1753476940279\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">1. <strong>How should I prepare for a networking event?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Research attendees, prepare key questions, and set specific goals for your conversations. Being prepared helps make a stronger impression and ensures you gain meaningful connections.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1753476960207\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">2. <strong>What\u2019s the best way to follow up after networking?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Send a personalized message thanking the person for their time, and express your enthusiasm for staying in touch or collaborating in the future.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1753476979727\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">3. <strong>How can I ensure I\u2019m not too aggressive in my networking efforts?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Focus on building genuine connections and be patient. Avoid pushing too hard for an outcome, as this can make others feel uncomfortable.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some professionals love to network, and some do not. No matter what side of the spectrum you fall on, networking can play a significant role in your professional career. So can your networking mistakes and goofs. Networking opportunities create connections that open up doors and opportunities you wouldn\u2019t have otherwise&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":523,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-career-development"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.9 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>12 Networking Mistakes That Look Unprofessional - Christianjobs<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Avoid these 12 common networking mistakes that could make you look unprofessional and hinder your career progress.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.christianjobs.com\/articles-tips\/2024\/07\/12\/12-networking-mistakes-that-look-unprofessional\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"12 Networking Mistakes That Look Unprofessional\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Avoid these 12 common networking mistakes that could make you look unprofessional and hinder your career progress.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.christianjobs.com\/articles-tips\/2024\/07\/12\/12-networking-mistakes-that-look-unprofessional\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Christianjobs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-07-12T17:31:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-11T14:46:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.christianjobs.com\/articles-tips\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/network.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Lynsey L&#039;ecuyer\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.christianjobs.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/12\\\/12-networking-mistakes-that-look-unprofessional\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.christianjobs.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/12\\\/12-networking-mistakes-that-look-unprofessional\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"\",\"@id\":\"\"},\"headline\":\"12 Networking Mistakes That Look Unprofessional\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-07-12T17:31:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-11T14:46:47+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.christianjobs.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/12\\\/12-networking-mistakes-that-look-unprofessional\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1440,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.christianjobs.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/12\\\/12-networking-mistakes-that-look-unprofessional\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.christianjobs.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/network.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Career Development\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"accessibilityFeature\":[\"tableOfContents\"]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.christianjobs.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/12\\\/12-networking-mistakes-that-look-unprofessional\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.christianjobs.com\\\/articles-tips\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/12\\\/12-networking-mistakes-that-look-unprofessional\\\/\",\"name\":\"12 Networking Mistakes That Look Unprofessional - 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