Hey Loves,

Let’s be real, whether you went looking for it or not, somebody has told you at least a hundred times that you need to “network, network, network!” All these conferences, brunches, mixers, and pop-ups we run to… and half the time we walk away wondering if we actually made any real connections at all. Trust me, you’re not alone.

A lot of us are out here trying our best, but we end up doing little things that accidentally block the kind of genuine relationships we’re hoping to build. The good news? It’s an easy fix. So let’s talk about the habits you might not even realize are tripping you up — and how to leave them behind for good.

Mistake 1: Making It the “Me Show”

Listen… you’re talented, you’re passionate, you’re hustling, and you’ve got dreams for days. Of course, you want people to know who you are and what you do.

But baybeeee… if all you do is talk about yourself, you’ll lose people fast.

Your story matters, but if you’re not giving the other person space to share theirs, you’re not networking — you’re just monologuing. And nothing turns folks off quicker than someone who’s only interested in their own goals.

The Fix: Show Some Genuine Interest

Shift the spotlight. Ask questions. Get curious.

Find people in industries that inspire you and ask them:

• How did you get started?

• What do you love about your work?

• What would you change if you could?

When people feel heard and valued, they remember you, and they’re more likely to want to stay connected. Plus, you might walk away with some new knowledge or motivation.

Mistake 2: Forgetting to Say Thank You

You went to an event, you grabbed coffee with someone afterward… and then life happened. You got busy. You meant to send a thank-you, but the days ran together and suddenly a week passed.

Will they understand? Maybe.
Is it a good look? Not really.

A simple thank-you goes a long way, and skipping it can leave a sour taste, which is definitely not the vibe we’re going for.

The Fix: Take a page from the Nike book – Just Do It

Whether you pack note cards in your purse for post-meeting scribbles, set yourself a reminder on your phone to send a quick note, or just insert a “Thank you for meeting with me” at a final handshake, you must say thank you.  Not only will it solidify your reputation as a courteous individual, but it won’t leave your contact with a bad taste in their mouths.

Mistake 3 – Forgetting to Follow Up

You meet someone over a networking happy hour and tell her you will send over your portfolio.  But as the night goes on, she has a few drinks and meets a few dozen more people, you’re sure she’s forgotten all about you, so you decide it’s not even worth emailing her the next day.

The Fix: Just Go Ahead and Do It

Channel your inner Nike, just do it.

Whatever works for you:

• Keep thank-you cards in your bag

• Set a reminder on your phone

• Or even slip in a quick “I appreciate you meeting with me” before you part ways

Gratitude sticks. It makes you memorable in the best way.

A quick tip:
Keep a pen tucked near your business cards and jot down a note after each interaction. When you get home, go through your cards and send those follow-ups while the night is still fresh.

At the end of the day, networking isn’t about quick wins; it’s about learning, growing, and building meaningful connections that last.

Now that we’ve talked about where things can go sideways, let’s do better and nurture the relationships that matter.

XOXO,