The 7 Deadly Sins of Business Networking: Avoid These Pitfalls.

In the world of business, networking is often hailed as a cornerstone of success. Building and maintaining a robust network can open doors, create opportunities, and facilitate growth. However, just like any other endeavour, networking requires a strategic approach and a keen awareness of potential pitfalls. In this article, we’ll delve into the “7 Deadly Sins” of business networking, inspired by the wisdom of Harvey Mackay’s “Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty.” Let’s explore how to avoid these mistakes and master the art of effective networking.

1. Lust for Immediate Gain:

In the world of business networking, the first deadly sin, “Lust for Immediate Gain,” can be one of the most tempting traps to fall into. It involves the inclination to approach networking primarily as a means to obtain quick, tangible benefits, often driven by a desire for immediate results. This approach, however, tends to undermine the essence of effective networking and can hinder long-term success. Let’s dive deeper into why this sin should be avoided and how to navigate the waters of networking with a more strategic mindset.

The Temptation: In the fast-paced business environment, it’s not unusual to see individuals lured by the prospect of instant gratification. They attend networking events, connect on social platforms, or reach out to contacts with one primary goal in mind: to secure immediate gain. This could be landing a lucrative deal, finding a job, or acquiring a high-profile client. The appeal of instant success can be irresistible, but it often comes at a cost.

The Pitfalls: 

(a) Shallow Connections: Focusing solely on immediate gain can lead to shallow, transactional relationships. Your network may perceive you as self-serving, and trust and rapport can be hard to establish.

(b) Missed Opportunities: Networking isn’t just about what you can get right now; it’s about planting seeds for the future. By fixating on instant results, you may miss out on more significant, long-term opportunities.

(c) Burnout: Constantly chasing immediate gains can be exhausting and demoralizing. It may lead to burnout and a negative outlook on networking as a whole.

The Redemption: To overcome the sin of lusting for immediate gain, adopt a more strategic and patient approach to networking:

Relationship Building: Shift your focus from transactions to relationships. Instead of asking for favours right away, invest time in getting to know your contacts. Find common interests and shared goals.

Value First: Be generous with your knowledge, resources, and time. Provide value to your network without expecting an immediate return. This builds trust and reciprocity.

Long-Term Vision: Cultivate a long-term vision for your networking efforts. Understand that the most valuable connections often take time to develop and yield results.

Patience and Persistence: Recognise that networking is an ongoing process. Stay patient and persistent in your efforts, even when immediate gains seem elusive.

Lusting for immediate gain in networking can be a tempting but perilous path. By reframing your approach to focus on building relationships and providing value, you’ll find that the rewards, though not instant, are more substantial and enduring. Networking, as emphasised by Harvey Mackay, is about digging your well before you’re thirsty. It’s an investment in your future success, and when done right, it can yield rich dividends over time.

2. Slothful Follow-Up:

The second deadly sin of business networking, “Slothful Follow-Up,” is a grave misstep that many individuals make when attempting to expand their professional networks. It revolves around the procrastination or neglect of following up with connections after initial interactions. This sin, while seemingly benign, can undermine the very foundation of networking, preventing the growth of meaningful relationships and the realization of valuable opportunities. Let’s explore why slothful follow-up is a networking sin and how to rectify it.

The Neglect: Imagine attending a networking event or conference where you meet several interesting people. You exchange business cards or connect on LinkedIn, feeling optimistic about the potential collaborations or opportunities that could arise. However, as days turn into weeks and then months, you find that you’ve failed to follow up with these connections. The initial enthusiasm wanes, and those promising contacts become distant memories.

The Consequences:  

(a) Loss of Momentum: Networking is often about seizing the moment. Slothful follow-up can cause the momentum from a productive interaction to dissipate, making it more challenging to pick up where you left off.

(b) Forgotten Connections: When you fail to follow up promptly, people may forget who you are or the context of your initial meeting. This erodes the foundation of trust and familiarity that networking relies upon.

(c) Missed Opportunities: Slothful follow-up can result in missed opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, or even job offers. It leaves potential benefits unrealised.

The Redemption: To redeem yourself from the sin of slothful follow-up and become an effective networker, consider the following strategies:

Timely Action: After a networking event or initial interaction, set aside time to follow up promptly. Send a personalised message, email, or make a phone call while the memory of the meeting is fresh.

Express Gratitude: Start your follow-up message by expressing gratitude for the connection and the conversation. Show appreciation for the time and insights shared.

Reference the Meeting: Mention specific details from your conversation or meeting to jog the memory of your contact. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the relationship.

Offer Value: In your follow-up, find ways to provide value to your connection. Share relevant resources, offer assistance, or suggest a follow-up meeting to explore potential collaborations.

Consistent Communication: Maintain regular communication with your network. This doesn’t mean bombarding them with messages but staying in touch periodically to nurture the relationship.

Use Tools: Utilise tools like calendars and task management apps to schedule follow-up reminders. This ensures that you stay on top of your networking commitments.

Slothful follow-up is a networking sin that can thwart your networking efforts. By recognising the importance of timely follow-up, expressing gratitude, and consistently nurturing your connections, you can turn this sin into a strength. Effective follow-up not only solidifies relationships but also positions you as a reliable and attentive networker, ultimately enhancing your professional success. Remember, in the realm of networking, diligence and responsiveness are keys to reaping the rewards of your efforts.

3. Wrath of Self-Centredness:

The third deadly sin in the realm of business networking, “Wrath of Self-Centredness,” is a pitfall that can sabotage your networking endeavours before they even begin. This sin manifests when individuals approach networking with an excessively self-centred attitude, focusing primarily on their own interests, accomplishments, and needs while neglecting the priorities and perspectives of others. Networking, however, thrives on mutual benefit, collaboration, and the creation of genuine connections. To excel in networking, it’s imperative to steer clear of this sin and embrace a more balanced approach.

The Temptation: At networking events or during interactions with potential contacts, the allure of self-centredness can be strong. Individuals may be tempted to dominate conversations with their achievements, trumpet their own successes, and use networking as a platform solely to further their own agendas. This behaviour can be off-putting and counterproductive.

The Consequences:

(a) Alienating Others: A self-centred approach can alienate potential connections. People prefer engaging with individuals who show a genuine interest in their goals and needs.

(b) Diminished Trust: Trust is the foundation of any successful network. Self-centredness erodes trust because it often conveys a lack of empathy and concern for others.

(c) Missed Opportunities: Networking is about building bridges and opening doors. A self-centred mindset can lead to missed opportunities, as people may be less inclined to help or collaborate with someone who appears solely focused on their own interests.

The Redemption: To avoid the sin of self-centredness in networking and foster more meaningful connections consider these strategies:

Active Listening: Practice active listening during networking interactions. Ask open-ended questions and genuinely listen to the responses. This demonstrates your interest in the other person’s experiences and goals.

Empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of your networking contacts. Try to understand their challenges, aspirations, and needs. Offer support and solutions when appropriate.

Reciprocity: Networking is a give-and-take relationship. Be prepared to offer assistance, share insights, or make introductions when you can. This reciprocity builds trust and goodwill.

Humility: While it’s essential to highlight your achievements, do so in a humble and context-appropriate manner. Avoid overshadowing others with a constant focus on your own successes.

Mutual Benefit: Seek opportunities for mutual benefit in your networking interactions. Explore how your skills, resources, or connections can complement those of others.

Balanced Conversation: Strive for balanced conversations that allow both you and your networking partner to share your experiences, challenges, and aspirations. This promotes a sense of equality in the relationship.

The wrath of self-centredness is a deadly sin that can undermine your networking efforts. By embracing a more balanced and empathetic approach, you can transform networking into a mutually beneficial endeavour. Networking isn’t just about what you can gain; it’s also about the value you can provide to others. Those who focus on building meaningful, reciprocal relationships are more likely to reap the rewards of a well-nurtured professional network. Remember, humility, empathy, and active listening are your allies in avoiding this destructive networking sin.

4. Greed for Quantity Over Quality:

In the realm of business networking, the fourth deadly sin, “Greed for Quantity Over Quality,” is a prevalent but perilous mistake. This sin involves the relentless pursuit of a high number of networking connections at the expense of the quality of those connections. Often driven by the desire to amass an impressive network, individuals succumb to the temptation of quantity, believing that more contacts equate to more opportunities. However, this approach can lead to a shallow and ineffective network, ultimately hindering professional growth.

The Temptation: In today’s hyper-connected world, the ability to collect numerous business cards, LinkedIn connections, or social media followers can be seductive. The promise of a vast network can give the illusion of influence and success. Many fall into the trap of prioritising quantity, believing that having a large network automatically translates into valuable connections.

The Consequences:

(a) Superficial Relationships: Pursuing quantity over quality often results in superficial and transactional relationships. These connections may not be inclined to offer meaningful support when needed.

(b) Information Overload: Managing a massive network can become overwhelming. It becomes challenging to stay updated with the activities and needs of numerous connections, leading to missed opportunities.

(c) Diluted Impact: When your network is vast but shallow, your ability to make a significant impact or receive personalised support from your connections diminishes.

The Redemption: To redeem yourself from the sin of greed for quantity over quality in networking, consider these strategies:

Prioritise Relevance: Focus on connecting with individuals who are relevant to your professional goals, industry, or interests. Quality connections are those who can provide valuable insights or support your objectives.

Research Your Connections: Before reaching out or accepting connection requests, research your potential contacts. Understand their backgrounds, interests, and how they align with your goals.

Nurture Existing Connections: Rather than constantly seeking new contacts, invest time in nurturing existing relationships. Building deeper connections with those you already know can be more fruitful.

Seek Common Ground: When connecting with new contacts, look for common ground, shared interests, or potential collaborations. This provides a foundation for building a meaningful relationship.

Focus on Engagement: Instead of just amassing connections, engage actively with your network. Share valuable content, participate in discussions, and offer assistance when appropriate.

Regular Communication: Maintain regular communication with your key connections. Even a simple check-in message can help solidify your relationship.

Prune Your Network: Periodically review your network and consider removing or disconnecting from contacts who no longer align with your goals or interests. Quality often requires curation.

The greed for quantity over quality in networking can be a seductive but detrimental path. Building a network with depth and relevance is far more valuable than a vast but shallow one. By focusing on meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships, you position yourself to leverage your network effectively in achieving your professional goals. Remember, in networking, quality connections can open doors, provide support, and lead to lasting success.

5. Envy of Competitors:

The fifth deadly sin in business networking, “Envy of Competitors,” is a common but corrosive pitfall that can hinder your progress in building a successful professional network. This sin arises when individuals become consumed by jealousy and comparison, constantly measuring their networking success against that of their competitors or peers. While it’s natural to admire others’ achievements, allowing envy to dominate your networking mindset can have detrimental effects on your own growth and relationships.

The Temptation: In the competitive world of business, it’s easy to become envious when you see competitors or colleagues forging seemingly effortless connections, securing lucrative deals, or receiving prestigious opportunities. This envy can stem from a desire to replicate their success, sometimes at any cost.

The Consequences:

(a) Distorted Priorities: Envy can lead to distorted priorities, where you become fixated on outdoing your competitors rather than focusing on your own growth and goals.

(b) Inauthenticity: The pursuit of mimicking others’ successes can result in inauthentic networking interactions, where you lose sight of your unique value and objectives.

(c) Undermined Confidence: Constantly comparing yourself to others can erode your confidence and self-esteem, making networking interactions less effective.

The Redemption: To free yourself from the sin of envy in networking and foster a healthier networking mindset, consider the following strategies:

Focus on Self-Improvement: Instead of fixating on your competitors, concentrate on continuous self-improvement. Set your own goals, milestones, and metrics for success.

Leverage Your Uniqueness: Recognise that what makes you unique is your greatest asset. Embrace your individuality and let it shine in your networking interactions.

Seek Inspiration, Not Imitation: Instead of copying others, seek inspiration from their successes. Analyse what strategies or qualities contributed to their achievements and adapt them to your own style and goals.

Collaborate with Competitors: Consider collaborating with competitors when opportunities arise. Networking isn’t always a zero-sum game; partnerships can be mutually beneficial.

Gratitude and Positivity: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for your own successes and those of others. A positive outlook can help diminish feelings of envy.

Mentorship and Guidance: Seek guidance and mentorship from individuals who have successfully navigated similar paths. They can provide valuable insights and help you stay focused on your own journey.

Network for Mutual Benefit: Shift your networking mindset to focus on mutual benefit. Networking is about creating win-win situations where both parties gain value.

The sin of envy in networking can lead to unhealthy competition, inauthenticity, and a sense of inadequacy. By redirecting your focus toward self-improvement, embracing your uniqueness, and seeking inspiration rather than imitation, you can transform envy into a driving force for your own growth. Remember, in networking, your journey is unique, and success should be defined by your own standards and objectives, not by the accomplishments of others.

6. Gluttony For Taking Without Giving:

The sixth deadly sin of business networking, “Gluttony for Taking Without Giving,” is a networking blunder that can quickly tarnish your reputation and hinder your long-term success. This sin revolves around the inclination to approach networking with a one-sided perspective, where you continually seek favours, insights, or introductions without offering anything in return. Effective networking is built on reciprocity and mutual benefit, and this sin disregards that fundamental principle.

The Temptation: In the pursuit of professional growth, it’s tempting to view networking as an opportunity to extract value from your connections without giving much in return. The allure of taking without giving can be particularly strong when you believe others have something valuable to offer.

The Consequences:

(a) Eroded Trust: Networking thrives on trust and goodwill. Continually taking without giving erodes the trust your network has in you, damaging your reputation.

(b) Isolation: Networking is a community of professionals who support one another. Gluttony for taking without giving can lead to isolation, as people may be less willing to engage with someone who provides no reciprocal value.

(c) Missed Opportunities: Effective networking is about creating win-win situations. By consistently taking without giving, you may miss out on opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, or support.

The Redemption: To rectify the sin of gluttony for taking without giving in networking and build more meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships, consider the following strategies:

Provide Value First: Instead of leading with requests or demands, strive to provide value to your connections from the outset. Share relevant insights, resources, or information that can benefit them.

Ask Open-Ended Questions: In your networking interactions, ask open-ended questions that allow others to express their needs or challenges. This opens the door for you to offer assistance or solutions.

Be Generous: Offer your expertise, time, or assistance when appropriate. Be proactive in providing help, even if it’s not explicitly requested.

Express Gratitude: When others provide assistance or support, express genuine gratitude. Acknowledging their contributions reinforces the spirit of reciprocity in networking.

Maintain Balance: Strive for a balanced approach to networking, where you both give and receive. Remember that networking is a long-term investment, and the benefits may not always be immediate.

Seek to Understand: Take the time to understand the goals and needs of your connections. This helps you tailor your offers of assistance more effectively.

Give Credit: When someone from your network assists you or contributes to your success, give credit where it’s due. Acknowledging the role of others in your achievements builds trust.

Gluttony for taking without giving in networking is a self-defeating sin. By embracing the principles of reciprocity and providing value to your network, you not only enhance your reputation but also create a supportive community that is more likely to help you achieve your goals. Networking is a collaborative endeavour where the more you give, the more you are likely to receive in return. Remember, in the world of networking, generosity and a willingness to contribute are virtues that lead to enduring success.

7. Pride in Ignoring Diversity:

The seventh deadly sin of business networking, “Pride in Ignoring Diversity,” is a grave mistake that can limit your network’s potential and hinder your personal and professional growth. This sin occurs when individuals take pride in exclusively networking within their comfort zones, neglecting diversity in their connections. Effective networking is about embracing different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, and ignoring diversity undermines the richness of your network.

The Temptation: It’s human nature to gravitate towards people who share similar backgrounds, interests, or experiences. The temptation to network with those who are familiar and comfortable can be strong, leading to an unintentional disregard for diversity.

The Consequences:

(a) Limited Perspectives: Networking within a homogenous group limits exposure to diverse perspectives and insights, which can be invaluable for problem-solving and innovation.

(b) Missed Opportunities: Ignoring diversity can lead to missed opportunities for collaboration, learning, and personal growth. Diverse connections often open doors to new ideas and experiences.

(c) Inclusivity Challenges: A lack of diversity in your network may inadvertently perpetuate exclusionary practices, which can negatively impact your reputation and opportunities.

The Redemption: To rectify the sin of pride in ignoring diversity and unlock the full potential of your network, consider implementing these strategies:

Expand Your Horizons: Make a conscious effort to broaden your network by connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, industries, cultures, and perspectives.

Attend Diverse Events: Seek out networking events and opportunities that attract a diverse crowd. These events can provide a platform for building inclusive connections.

Listen Actively: When engaging with diverse contacts, practice active listening. Be genuinely interested in their experiences and be open to learning from their insights.

Challenge Biases: Identify and challenge any unconscious biases that may influence your networking decisions. Ensure that you’re not excluding individuals based on preconceived notions.

Promote Inclusivity: Encourage inclusivity within your network by connecting diverse contacts with each other and fostering a welcoming environment.

Value Different Perspectives: Embrace the value of diverse perspectives in your network. Recognize that differing viewpoints can lead to innovative solutions and better decision-making.

Support Inclusive Initiatives: Participate in and support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in your industry or community. This reflects your commitment to building an inclusive network.

Pride in ignoring diversity is a networking sin that limits your growth and the potential of your connections. Embracing diversity enriches your network by introducing a variety of ideas and experiences. By actively seeking out diverse connections, engaging with an open mind, and promoting inclusivity, you not only enhance your own learning but also contribute to the broader goal of creating a more inclusive and supportive professional community. Remember, in the world of networking, diversity is a strength that leads to greater opportunities and success.

Final Word.

In conclusion, mastering the art of business networking requires diligence, patience, and a commitment to building genuine relationships. Avoiding the “7 Deadly Sins” will set you on the path to becoming a networking virtuoso, just as advocated in Harvey Mackay’s “Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty.” Focus on providing value, nurturing connections, and maintaining a balanced approach to networking. By doing so, you’ll find your network becoming an invaluable asset to your professional journey.

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