Dan Woog gave the following missteps and mistakes for job-seeking networkers to avoid in a piece for Monster.com.

“You wouldn’t wear jeans to a job interview, but do you pay as much attention to job-hunting etiquette when networking? If you’re approaching potential contacts in an offhand way, you may be putting them off entirely. Learn what the most common networking mistakes are so you don’t have to make them.”

Waiting

Woog says not to wait until you’ve lost your job to start networking! “Effective networking means creating contacts and relationships while you’re still employed.”

Being Clueless
Know why are you attending a networking event. What are your goals? What can you offer?

Being Unprepared
“Practice your pitch as well as your answers to questions about your career goals that might arise.” Enough said. Know what you want.

Forgetting Business Cards

Might sound silly, but Woog has a point. No one’s going to remember you without it. They’ll remember meeting you but then say, “Oh, what was his/her name?”

Using a Silly-Sounding Email Name
FirstName.LastName, simple as that. No nick names or confusing combinations of letters and numbers.

Being Pompous
This should be a no-brainer, btu sadly for some it’s not.
“While you’re networking, you need to listen to what everyone else is saying. People help by offering advice. They are not interested in hearing how much you already know.”

Monopolizing Someone’s Time
Make connections, but don’t overwhelm them. Everyone wants to mingle at events so give people space. Reconnect after the even via email or phone.

Dressing Down
“Look sharp at networking events.  A networking event can be a dress rehearsal for a job interview, but no one will help you get your foot in the door if you give the impression that you’ll slouch through it once it’s open.”

Being a Wallflower
Why bother going to a networking event or conference if you don’t make the most of it. This can be harder for people who are more timid by nature, but if you’re on the market for a job, it’s not time to shy. “Be assertive, and act like a leader. But don’t go overboard. You want to convey self-assurance, not obnoxiousness.”

Being Passive
Being pleasantly persistent shows how interested you are in a position or company. Don’t be too pushy, but let your enthusiasm show.

Lying
Liars almost always get caught. Don’t embarrass yourself and burn bridges by fudging the truth on facts about your experience or your acquaintances.
Treating Your Networking Relationships as Short-Term Flings

Don’t forget to follow up and show appreciation for their help. Also don’t forget that networking is a two way street. Don’t use help without returning the favor. Ask yourself what you can offer someone in return, even if they’re not job hunting.

“No one likes to be used. Follow up every conversation with a thank-you note, email or call. Let your contact know whether his suggestions panned out or not. When your job search ends — for whatever reason — inform the person who has helped you. You may think your networking is over, but your paths may cross again.”

Forgetting Where You Came From
Continue the cycle. Help others even once you’re back in a job. Don’t forget how you got back in the saddle.