5 Reasons Your Networking Is NOT Working

5 Reasons Your Networking is
NOT Working
Kim Meninger
Executive Coach & Career Strategist
Kim@ExecutiveCareerSuccess.com

www.ExecutiveCareerSuccess.com

You understand that networking
is critical to your career success.
You attend networking events,
use LinkedIn, and even ask
others for help, but your
networking is not working.

Here are 5 reasons why:


1. You lack a networking strategy.
Networking without a
plan is a great way to
waste time and
experience frustration.


Solution
Before you begin networking, clarify your
specific goal(s).
– Do you want to learn about a
particular target company?
– Are you interested in meeting
other executives with similar
interests?
– Are you looking for contacts in
a new industry?

• Clearly define your
questions.
• Focus your networking
efforts on finding the
answers.
• Strategically seek out
contacts who can help you so
that you don’t waste time.

2. Your message is unclear.
• If you cannot clearly and succinctly introduce
yourself and define your goals, even the most
motivated networkers will be unable to help
you.
– They won’t understand your needs and how to
meet them.


Solution
Develop a focused introduction that clearly
captures who you are and why you’re there.
Practice this before each networking encounter
to ensure that you’re prepared for the
discussion.


3. You’re too impatient.
When you network, you expect to see
immediate rewards.
– Networking doesn’t work that way.
– It’s not sufficient to engage in one or two
discussions with someone.
– To experience the benefits of networking, you
need to invest in mutually beneficial relationships.


Solution
It is critical to cultivate your network before you
need help.
– Offer your support and build trust with others to
establish a strong foundation upon which to build
when you have specific needs.
– Attempting to shortcut the process will only
frustrate you and your contacts.


4. Your discussions are too job-centric.
If you’re in career transition, your number one
priority is finding a new job.
– Asking your network to help you find a job is a
highly ineffective networking strategy - it puts your
networking contacts on the spot.
– Most people want to help, but if they feel that they
can’t, they won’t respond.
– If they can’t help you immediately, you’ll fall off
their radar very quickly.

Solution
• Rather than ask someone for help with your
job search, ask them for information you know
they can provide.
• Leverage their expertise by asking for insights,
advice, and information on specific industries,
companies, or roles.
– They’ll be flattered that you came to them and
you’ll gain far more valuable support than you
would by asking them to forward your resume.

5. You’re not following up effectively.
Far too many executives give up because of a
lack of initial response.
– How often have you intended to respond to an
email, but it slipped your mind?
– Chances are, the same thing happened to your
contact.


Solution
• Rather than assume a lack of interest, try
sending him information he may find
helpful, or invite her to an event she may want
to attend.
• When you lead with value, you’re more likely
to get a positive response.


• Networking is an art
not a science.
• There is no one right
way to network.
• Much of it depends
on your personality
and unique goals.


If your networking is not working, review these
five points and adjust your strategy accordingly.
If necessary, seek help from an expert who can
help you maximize your networking approach.


Get your complimentary copy of:
5 Surefire Signs It’s Time to Change Your
Executive Career
&
The Most Powerful Step You Can Take Today to
Launch Your New Executive Career
Kim Meninger
Executive Coach & Career Strategist
Kim@ExecutiveCareerSuccess.com

5 Reasons Your Networking Is NOT Working

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