Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Plan For Networking

Are you getting out and seeing the people in your network on a regular basis? Many people work hard to cultivate friendships and then let those relationships drift away as they focus on adding new people to their circle of influence.

NO...Stop the insanity.

Keeping active referral partnerships alive and healthy is easier than making new ones, but it does take planning.

You have to find ways to continuously stay in front of people and remain on the top of their mind. Lets face it, your competition is probably qualified and people like them. Thus you are in a constant struggle for leaving your mark on the brain cells of those in your network.

Sending an occasional newsletter or other email blast is not enough. You have to get face time with people.

This can be accomplished one-on-one or in a group setting, but it must happen. You should try to have 5 face-to-face meetings each week. This is easy, as you need to eat breakfast and lunch, make those your networking times. Additionally you should attend two networking events each week.

Always make sure that you have some talking points in mind about something new that you or your company is doing so that you are bringing time sensitive information to those with whom you meet.

Now, why are you sitting there reading this? Go network.

Have A Great Day

thom

2 comments:

Dale Chumbley said...

Thanks Thom, as always you are good for a much needed kick in the butt. I appreciate you and your insights/reminders about actively networking our sphere. Have to go make some appointments now. ;?)

JibberJobber Guy said...

I love this post because it says you have to network intentionally, or on purpose, and not just let networking happen to you.