Relying only on one type of networking, either formal or informal, can cause some big problems that might hold you back in your personal and professional life. Each style has its good points, but sticking too closely to one can limit your chances and connections.
One main problem is that you might not meet a variety of people.
Issues with Formal Networking: If you mostly go to formal events like conferences, you might only meet others in specific jobs or industries. This can keep you from getting new ideas or views from different fields.
Issues with Informal Networking: On the other hand, if you stick to casual hangouts, you might only connect with a small group of friends. This could stop you from growing and reaching for bigger goals.
Using just one type of networking means you might miss out on job chances.
Limited Reach: Formal networks might not show you all the job openings, especially in fast-changing job markets. Many jobs are filled through conversations and informal connections.
Informal Weaknesses: On the flip side, informal networking might not give you the structure you need to talk about serious topics, like negotiating salaries or planning career moves.
Networking is also a great way to build important people skills.
Rigidity in Formal Settings: In formal settings, the strict rules may make it harder to have natural conversations. This can hold back your chance to practice being flexible and persuasive.
Issues in Informal Settings: In casual settings, the lack of formality can sometimes lead to relaxed chats that don’t allow you to show your professional side well.
Having credibility is very important in networking.
Concerns with Formality: Focusing only on formal networking might create an image of you as professional, but this might not show what you can really do. If you don’t engage in informal chats, others might not see the real you.
Risks with Informal Networking: If you only network informally, you might come off as not serious. If people think you’re just a socializer, they may not respect you in professional settings.
To avoid these problems, it’s important to mix both formal and informal networking styles.
Mixing Networks: Try different networking events. Go to formal events and also informal get-togethers to meet a wide range of people. This way, you can take advantage of various opportunities.
Learning New Skills: Join workshops or training sessions that teach you how to adapt your networking style to different situations. This will help you connect with different kinds of people and present yourself well in both settings.
Be Authentic: Always try to be yourself, no matter the setting. Show your real self in both formal and informal situations to build trust and credibility with your contacts.
By understanding the downsides of sticking to just one networking style and using a mix of both, you can improve your networking skills and boost your chances of doing well in your career.
Relying only on one type of networking, either formal or informal, can cause some big problems that might hold you back in your personal and professional life. Each style has its good points, but sticking too closely to one can limit your chances and connections.
One main problem is that you might not meet a variety of people.
Issues with Formal Networking: If you mostly go to formal events like conferences, you might only meet others in specific jobs or industries. This can keep you from getting new ideas or views from different fields.
Issues with Informal Networking: On the other hand, if you stick to casual hangouts, you might only connect with a small group of friends. This could stop you from growing and reaching for bigger goals.
Using just one type of networking means you might miss out on job chances.
Limited Reach: Formal networks might not show you all the job openings, especially in fast-changing job markets. Many jobs are filled through conversations and informal connections.
Informal Weaknesses: On the flip side, informal networking might not give you the structure you need to talk about serious topics, like negotiating salaries or planning career moves.
Networking is also a great way to build important people skills.
Rigidity in Formal Settings: In formal settings, the strict rules may make it harder to have natural conversations. This can hold back your chance to practice being flexible and persuasive.
Issues in Informal Settings: In casual settings, the lack of formality can sometimes lead to relaxed chats that don’t allow you to show your professional side well.
Having credibility is very important in networking.
Concerns with Formality: Focusing only on formal networking might create an image of you as professional, but this might not show what you can really do. If you don’t engage in informal chats, others might not see the real you.
Risks with Informal Networking: If you only network informally, you might come off as not serious. If people think you’re just a socializer, they may not respect you in professional settings.
To avoid these problems, it’s important to mix both formal and informal networking styles.
Mixing Networks: Try different networking events. Go to formal events and also informal get-togethers to meet a wide range of people. This way, you can take advantage of various opportunities.
Learning New Skills: Join workshops or training sessions that teach you how to adapt your networking style to different situations. This will help you connect with different kinds of people and present yourself well in both settings.
Be Authentic: Always try to be yourself, no matter the setting. Show your real self in both formal and informal situations to build trust and credibility with your contacts.
By understanding the downsides of sticking to just one networking style and using a mix of both, you can improve your networking skills and boost your chances of doing well in your career.