Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon in their new book “Make Your Contacts Count: Networking Know-How for Business and Career Success” made a list of the top expressions people use when they are talking about networking that can make you cringe:
1. Schmoozing: this word makes networking seem so slimy and insincere. Networking is about teaching your contacts to believe in your character and competence so they want to work with you, send business your way or hire you.
2. 30 Second Commercial: while you want to “sell yourself” you don’t want to appear as too much of a hard sell.
3. Pick Your Brains: this expression makes the authors think of vultures coming in for the kill; and wish that people would instead say “I’d like to get your thoughts about something.”
4. Work a Room: this phrase sounds as if you intend to work people over and take all you can. Instead, focus on listening and showing others what they can count on you for and what kinds of opportunities to send your way.
5. Information Interview: You can make networking a way of life — at professional meetings, backyard barbeques and all kinds of professional and social venues.
For five more expressions, go here.
Leah Jewel on March 9th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
This info. is awesome! I’ll share it with my cohorts.