The Top 5 Mistakes We All Make While NetworkingHow to make the most of your networking opportunities.

ByIvan Misner

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

BNI Executive Director Tim Roberts breaks down the five things you need to stop doing while you're networking. First of all, make sure you don't overemphasize sales -- not just of your products, but of yourself, too. Americans love to buy things, but we hate when we feel like we're being sold something we don't want. So, instead of giving your product pitch or trying to explain why you are highly qualified in your field, ask people questions. Try to create a real connection.

As the old saying goes, "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." Or, at least, it's hard to build trust if you treat people like they're nothing more than targets.

To learn the rest of the networking mistakes, click play.

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Related:How to Make a Great First Impression

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Ivan Misner

Entrepreneur Leadership Network VIP

Bestselling Author

Dr. Ivan Misner is a 'NY Times' bestselling author and co-author of the bestselling book, 'Networking Like a Pro' (Entrepreneur Press 2017). He is also the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of BNI (www.bni.com), the world's largest referral marketing and networking organization.

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