5 Signs of Networking Burnout (and how to get past them)

I recently read a post on LinkedIn talking about networking burnout.
The writer talked about how she was doing so much networking, that it felt like her only social life was the networking she went to – and as such, she felt burnt out and lost her mojo.
I resolved to write a blog about this – so here are 5 signs of networking burnout, and what you can do about them.
1. Feeling like you’re going through the motions
Focus on quality over quantity. Instead of racing to attend more events, aim for deeper, more meaningful conversations with fewer people. Have 1-1s where inevitably the conversation can go deeper and be more interesting. It’s about connections that count, not counting connections.
2. Dreading boring conversations
It certainly can be boring listening to the same old conversations over and over again. Even if we’re not hard sold to, the conversations are inevitably salesy and uninteresting. Instead, try talking about things you’re interested in. Find common ground. Ask what people like to do when they’ve got a day off. Conversations can then be about subjects that are enjoyable & interesting to you.
3. Not seeing results from your networking efforts
I get it – we go networking for a reason. There’s got to be an ROI. Instead, focus on networking for relationships, not transactions. When you shift your mindset from trying to get something out of every interaction to building trust, you’ll find results – like referrals and collaboration – start to flow naturally.
4. Seeing yet another networking event in the calendar
You don’t have to go to ‘networking events’ the whole time. One of the best networks I’m involved in is my running club, Queens Park Harriers. I sure as hell don’t go there to network (and it isn’t actually a network) – but I’ve made so many new contacts and relationships in my 18 months as part of the club. In short, do what you love doing – if it’s with other people, you’ll build relationships with them.
5. Not getting any real work done
A real issue – you network to serve your business after all. Spreading yourself too thin is all too common a problem. Instead, be strategic: pick 2-3 networks, perhaps along with an interested-related network (like my running club is for me), and commit to them. Any more, and you’ll struggle to build the relationships deep enough to make them worthwhile – and you’ll struggle to get your work done.
What have I missed?