ASSESS your Networks
Always evaluate your network for strength. Do you have contacts to fulfill all your needs? Is your network strong, deep and broad? Are you building lasting and trusting relationships?
Develop a PLAN
Build a game plan to help close any gaps. One size does not fit all. Be strategic and develop your system.
Work to establish RELATIONSHIPS
Ask questions that allow you to turn contacts into relationships over time and monitor your journey and results. My 3 favorite words when talking with someone: “Tell me more”.
Provide MUTUAL SUPPORT
Listen attentively for ways you can assist other members of your network; always listen for how you can help them. My wonderful father’s favorite line “Give without remembering and receive without forgetting.”
Focus on DIVERSITY
Establish diverse networks which take you out of the comfort zone of interacting only with people with whom you have a great deal in common. Make a concerted effort to reach out to people who have different experiences and backgrounds to grow. We can go to school on this daily.
Look for GROWTH
Always be growing and building. Refer the names of your contacts to others with whom they may benefit from a networking relationship. Call upon your contacts to share potential new contacts and/or mention your name to them. I love to ask people: “How do I know I am speaking to someone who could use your services or products… or someone you would like to meet”.
FOLLOW-UP
Be relentless in doing the “little” things to follow up with members of your network.
Remember that often after all is said and done…. more is said than done. Be the opposite.
Express GRATITUDE
Freely, sincerely and frequently express gratitude for all things members of your network have done for you. It is all about giving and helping and ultimately you grow.