One of the most common ways to search for a job this day and age is through networking. Reaching out to friends, family, people you have met throughout your career. This method not only saves time and money, but also creates a bridge between a potential employer and employee. In other words, the company feels more comfortable hiring because it isn't technically a stranger, and the employee feels more comfortable because are more familiar with the working conditions from their family or friend. However, there are some things we should be sure to avoid when networking:
Not following up
Once you establish a connection with someone you see yourself doing business with in the future, make sure to follow up. Even just a simple email or text message (if they gave you their phone number) shows them that you enjoyed meeting them and are want to continue to stay in contact. Along the same lines, don't expect them to come to you first. It's a two-way street.
Avoiding face-to-face contact
Although networking started as really only face-to-face contact, it is becoming more and more done online. However, studies show that the most effective networking is still done face-to-face! There still are tons of networking events taking place daily that allow less room for rejection. If you are shy, recognize that you aren't alone. Hey, maybe you'll even see a familiar face!
https://www.workitdaily.com/common-networking-mistakes/