Even good networkers can unintentionally go bad.  They fall into the “gimme” mindset and practices of bad networkers – the ones that give “real” networking a bad name.

Oftentimes, it’s because they’re desperate for work or have a small network.  Whatever the case, they go to the well too often.  They keep asking and asking for help until nobody wants to help them anymore. 

This doesn’t have to be the case, however.  The prime rule of “real” networking is: “Give as you receive.”  There are other ways to avoid over-utilization of a network, too:

Continue building.  When you have a lot of contacts, you don’t need to tap the same person multiple times.  Network building is a continual process – it should be part of your life whether you have a secure job or are looking for work.

Spread the wealth.  Tapping the same resource over and over is a sure way to deplete it.  The same is true for networking.  Utilizing the whole network spreads the responsibility around and nobody will feel as though they’re doing everything for you.

If you think you are, then you are.  If you get the feeling your contacts are sick of helping you, then they probably are.  You’re over-utilizing.  In this case, back off on them and remember rules 1 and 2 (above).

IN THE CARAVAN:  Avoid over-utilizing your network by spreading the wealth, continually building the size of your network, and know when to back off.

NEXT TUESDAY: Starting from Ground Zero

Want more Networking advice?  Check out The Lion’s Pride!

Check out last Tuesday’s post.

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