Networking Mistakes That Can Kill Your Side Hustle Business

Getting networking right is a learning process, but a huge part of getting it right is simply avoiding what’s obviously wrong. Based on what I’ve seen, steering clear of a few common pitfalls can make all the difference. If you're building a , these are the habits to drop immediately.

Making the Conversation All About You

This is, without a doubt, the biggest mistake people make. In no other sales setting would you just talk about yourself, your amazing products, and why everyone should buy from you. The goal is to connect. You’d normally ask about the other person, find some common ground, and learn about their needs before ever mentioning what you offer.

Think about the impression you want to leave. Do you want them thinking, “Wow, what an interesting person, and they actually seemed interested in me. I need to learn more about what they do,” or, “Good grief, that person wouldn't stop talking about themselves. I’m avoiding them next time.” I’ve seen people miss out on massive opportunities because they couldn't stop pitching. A wise person once said, “You have one mouth and two ears. Use them in that proportion.”

Going Over Your Allotted Time

If the introduction is meant to be 60 seconds, stick to 60 seconds. In fact, shorter is often better. You’re already competing for attention as people think about their breakfast or rehearse their own intro. Keep it short, memorable, and to the point.

When you’re the only one who ignores the clock, it sends a clear message: you think what you have to say is more important than anyone else. This is especially critical when you're —your time is precious, and so is theirs. Follow the rules and don't earn a bad reputation.

Showing Up Late

If you’re new to a networking group, double-check the start time. You don’t want to be the person who walks in while things are already underway, and you definitely don’t want to miss your chance to introduce yourself. Arrive on time and plan to stay for about 30 minutes after the meeting officially ends so you aren’t rushing out the door.

Whispering While Others Are Speaking

It doesn’t matter if you just realized you have a brilliant idea or need to ask the person next to you a critical question. When someone else has the floor, they deserve to speak without distractions. Whispering while someone is giving their introduction is just plain rude. Jot down a note and wait until the presentations are over. It’s not worth offending someone.

Tearing Down Your Competitors

I once had a one-on-one where someone asked me about a service I was using. When I told him I was buying it from another company, he spent the next few minutes trashing them, questioning their ethics, and telling me I was making a mistake. What he didn't know was that I was buying the service from a family member. Never disrespect the competition. The focus of your should be on your own strengths and unique selling points.

Adding People to Your Mailing List Without Permission

Getting an email that starts with, “We met at a networking event…” is one thing. Getting added to a 2,000-word newsletter without ever opting in is another. Just because someone gave you a business card doesn't mean they gave you permission to flood their inbox. This is a surefire way to annoy people and get your labeled as spam. If you want subscribers, ask first.

Judging a Book By Its Cover

Never underestimate anyone in the room. You have no idea who you’re talking to, who they know, or what they might achieve in the future. Networking is about building relationships over the long haul, which is essential when . I’ve seen incredible connections form between the most unlikely people. Keep an open mind and talk to everyone.

Failing to Follow Up

If you promise to call someone, call them. If you convince me I need your service but then disappear, I’ll probably forget why I needed it. Worse, I might remember when I meet someone else in your field who follow up. Take notes, make the calls you promised, and stay in touch. Don’t make it harder for people to hire you and your .

Treating It Like a One-Time Sale

It’s highly unlikely you’ll make a sale at your first meeting. Regulars at networking events can spot the people who only show up when they need to sell something. The key is to build your network when you don’t need it so it’s there for you when you do. Make networking a consistent part of your routine, not just something you do when you’re desperate to hit a quarterly target. That pressure doesn’t sell, especially if you're and need genuine connections.

Forgetting to Smile

It’s amazing how many people walk into a networking event looking like they're having the worst day of their life. I once met someone who started the conversation by complaining about his commute, how terrible business was, the low attendance, and the bad menu. At that point, my mind was somewhere else. If you’re having a bad day, try to tap into the positive energy in the room to lift yourself up—don’t bring everyone else down. People are drawn to positivity. Be that person, and you'll find networking is far more effective for you and for .