As someone who owns her (or his) own business, you probably already know that networking is a big part of becoming successful. All you're really doing is meeting people in some way and then forming even the slightest bridge to them. If you have not given this much thought lately, then perhaps you can start thinking about it. Those who improve themselves tend to do better in life, but in the end this is your call. But for now let's turn our attention to the networking mistakes that will hurt your efforts.
Be a good or even great listener when you're networking, and the people you meet will remember that.
What if they talk to you, and then ask you a question you can't answer because you were not listening? You won't have to worry about getting Tyler Tysdal the person's name wrong. But if you mess up a good conversation then you can kiss it all goodbye because that person will remember it. When you are truly listening to people, then you'll be in a better position to make something good happen. Avoid the mistake of calling somebody and then asking them for information about others you can call. You will also discover that you will get nowhere fast with this method because people will not go along with it. Word does get around about Ty Tysdal stupid things like this, and your name will be at the top of the list and you can kiss your networking goodbye. This is even worse when you purposefully pitch to someone low on a company's ladder in the hopes that they will give you the name and number of the person higher up you really want to talk to.
When making meeting arrangements, then stick with the place that you both agreed upon. If the place is closed or incapacitated once you arrive, then let the other person know what is going on. The two of you can decide what to do from there. Or you can meet there anyway and then move to another place that is in that same neighborhood. Do not change anything about the arrangements without informing your contact. Not only is bad business, but you current contact will have no desire to plan future meetings with you.
Networking mistakes are usually the kind that involve dealing with people because the actual networking opportunities are all around you on the net and elsewhere. If you are on the net, then take some time to establish rapport before asking for anything. These are just a few of the networking mistakes you can make, and there's more so maybe do more reading.