“Bad Naked” is Networking that is just plain WRONG.

It never ceases to amaze me at what people deem as “networking”. It is perplexing at how many people try ineffective approaches and expect amazing well nurtured results. It ain’t gonna work honey, not on me.

Here are a few of my stories:

1. Networking isn’t cold calling:

I have been approached by people for the VERY first time solicited my business. I might not know them from Adam, but they think trying to “sell” me to use their services, buy their drink or some other ridiculous product. I don’t mean to be rude, but trying to sell me something when I have no clue who you are isn’t “networking.

2. Networking isn’t asking me for my rolodex:

Gosh, this one had me in stitches earlier this week. Earlier this week I accepted a unsolicited LinkedIn Invitation from a guy in my 2^nd degree. I always try to write a little note back to say “thank you” and that I’m always happy to professionally network with them which I did in this case. This guy proceeded to send me a LONG note back requesting contact company and names for folks in my network that he could solicit for his business – yes, I’ll edit his note and further blog on it next week for you. This was our first contact, a LinkedIn invitation. Sure I could have given him names and numbers, but this would be like sleeping with someone on the first date! Not effective networking, rude.

3. Networking isn’t spamming your network:

I can’t believe how many people do this. If you are well respected and people join your mailing list, this is appropriate. I subscribe to many feeds put out by professionals in my network. They all respect the rule of only mass emailing to people who have signed up to do so. Spamming your network with emails isn’t cool, get permission first and don’t call it “networking”.

4. Networking isn’t asking for money:

I can’t stand the mass emails from people with something like this:

“Hey valued LinkedIn or Ning network. I don’t reach out to any of you nearly enough or know you by first name, but give me money for this or that. Here’s what I’m doing and it’s a great cause and I really need it so here’s the link to send money now (insert hyper link to donate site). If you don’t want further emails requesting money I’ll take you off the list – but you can expect a few more emails from me begging for money before I actually remove you. ”

Huh, this isn’t effective networking.

5. Networking isn’t calling someone you don’t know and asking them for a job:

You should call people that are hiring and ask to be considered for a position that they are recruiting or hiring for. BUT, don’t call it networking if it’s the first time you have ever spoken with the person – it’s called “cold calling”. Don’t get me wrong it’s a great thing to do, but term it right.

Here’s a simple definition for networking that I found here:

net·work·ing (-wʉr′kiŋ)

noun

1. the developing of contacts or exchanging of information with others in an informal network, as to further a career.

I encourage everyone to continually be “networking” into their next position, employed right now or not. But remember it takes building relationships over time and adding value to them. You can quickly destroy an opportunity by ineffectiveness. Your reputation is everything and a first impression of “rude” won’t be easily forgotten.

So, how do you look NAKED?