7 Types of Professional Networkers (INFOGRAPHIC)

by T. A. McCann | May 31st, 2012 | in Gistful Thinking | 7 Comments

Are you the type of networker who likes to make it rain business cards?  Maybe you’re a business card hoarder whose assortment of contact cards rivals the size of your childhood baseball card collection?

There’s no doubt about the fact that business networking is important.  In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that as many as 70% of all jobs are filled through networking!

However, there’s a big difference between approaching networking like a seasoned professional in order to effectively gain access to the world’s “hidden job market” and committing any of the seven deadly sins of business networking described in the infographic below.

Read on to find out if you fall into any of these “7 types of professional networker” categories to uncover the business networking mistakes that could be killing your career!

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  • http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/business.aspx Carson kelly

    It appears they’re all negative…interesting..

  • Ifemezue Uma

    So what’s the right way to network or isn’t that what this article is supposed to conclude with?

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  • Wayne Neale

    I agree, the article doesn’t describe the right way to network. I’m as active in the OC Trojan network as anybody. There is a right way to approach networking and a wrong way. To begin with, approach each event with the intent to give at least 2 leads. If everyone in the room pays it fwd, everybody wins.  If you go expecting to get a lead, everyone leaves empty handed. “Pay it forward!”  

    Networking is a long-term investment. The rule of thumb is to give a new networking group 6 months to see if you’ll get a decent ROI. What that translates to is developing friendships and business power-partners. If you meet an interesting person at a networking event, always follow-up with them. The more contact you have with prospective networkers the faster you develop the friendship/trust/bond.

    Pet peeves: I hate when a Trojan comes to a networking event looking for a job and we get them a few interviews… and never see them again until they are looking for their next job. The Trojan Network is more than networking, it is organic… it is a social group, an extended family.  It’s implied to help other Trojans, not to just take.

    Students: Students looking for jobs are often the most clueless and need guidance. Bottom line is that everyone has something to offer. Don’t just bring your resume, bring the attitude that you are willing to introduce anybody you meet to your family and friends who may need professional help. Networking is a 24/7 gig. If you are at church, school, visiting a friend… simply ask those around you, “What’s going on? What challenges is life throwing at you lately?” then listen.  A leaky pipe… tax audit… cracked tooth… all good leads for the right professional.

    “When doing business, consider a Trojan!”

    Wayne T. Neale
    Truscott Benefits Insurance Services
    MAAOC Board 7 years

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/GoldnHart-BrknSpirit-Cultivating-Crudup/1340522982 GoldnHart BrknSpirit Cultivati

    Hey Wayne, I found your response interesting. I believe I already network, I’m looking to take it to the next level and start making some decent $ while doing it. Will attempt to find the Trojan Network U spoke of, or could U send me some info on meetings within the organization. Thanks – James

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