Here are the five biggest networking misconceptions.
1. Networking is mostly a waste of time. Some leaders question whether the relationships developed through networking are a waste of time, but people who are intentional in the way they network find the practice yields beneficial results.
2. People are either naturally good networkers or they are not. Good networking is not determined by someone’s personality but is a skill that can be learned and improved by introverts and extroverts alike.
3. Relationships should form naturally. Positive relationships do not grow without work, and it actually takes strategic and methodical action to benefit from your network.
4. Networking is inherently selfish. People sometimes say networking is manipulative and self-serving, but the reciprocal nature of these relationships ensures all parties benefit.
5. Strong ties are the most valuable. Focusing only on strong ties will leave many opportunities unexplored, but the weaker ties often add the most connectivity to people’s networks.
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