Here’s what I learned about the silent habits that burn relationships.

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Ever since I was 19, I've been moving country to country, city to city.

I didn't realize back then that I was quietly destroying my personal AND professional network every time I packed my bags.

As a producer I was independent, fast, and ultra-pragmatic.

Each time I left, I turned the page. Honestly, I didn't think much of it.

It was easy to start fresh and forgo incredible friendships and professional contacts.

I was burning bridges behind me.

Maybe it was a defense mechanism?

It took me years to understand the real price I was paying:

Networking isn't about collecting contacts.

It's about building alliances.

As I grew professionally, I wanted to accomplish something meaningful.

But every time I tried I just couldn't do it alone.

It became clear that I needed a tribe, not just a Rolodex.

Since that wake-up call, I've become obsessed with spotting the bad habits that sneak in and quietly destroy your network over time.

Here are 10 fatal errors to avoid like the plague:

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🔹 Transactional mindset:

Only reaching out when you need something.

👉 Makes people feel used, not valued.

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🔹 Ghosting after success:

Disappearing once you've landed the gig or closed the deal.

👉 Shows you were extracting, not connecting.

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🔹 Name-dropping without value:

Bragging about who you know, but never creating opportunities for others.

👉 You sound self-centered, not powerful.

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🔹 Overpromising and underdelivering:

Saying 'I'll introduce you!' or 'I'll send you that!' and then flaking.

👉 Trust evaporates.

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🔹 Toxic positivity:

Cheerleading strangers with fake enthusiasm on LinkedIn.

👉 People can smell insincerity a mile away.

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🔹 Chasing CEOs:

Ignoring assistants and coordinators.

👉 Influence often moves sideways (and upward).

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🔹 Being unreliable with time:

Constantly running late and treating it like it's no big deal.

👉 You train people to see you as flaky.

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🔹 Talking more than you listen:

Making every coffee catch-up about yourself.

👉 People remember how you made them feel (drained or energized.)

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🔹 Public negativity:

Ranting about 'toxic clients' or 'idiot bosses' online.

👉 Makes you look unstable, not authentic.

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🔹 Failing to show gratitude:

Not following up with a simple thank-you when someone helps you.

👉 People notice. And they don't forget.

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TL;DR:

Most people don't blow up their networks with a single mistake.

They let their networks rot slowly through neglect, inconsistency, and self-centered behavior.

If you're serious about building a strong network, start here:

Give generously first. Expect nothing back.

Do that consistently, and watch your network turn into your greatest asset.

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Networking tip of the week Don't assume your prospects need your service. Ask, listen and learn.

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