You come home with a stack of business cards that you just collected at a networking event. The dog's need to go out, the kids want to play or you are rushing out to dinner with your significant other. You think I will follow-up with them tomorrow and then there are deadlines to meet and suddenly it is 2 months later and the contact has probably forgotten about you.
We all know that a personal note is still the "gold standard" in communication follow-up. But in today's hectic world you always have time to at least send an email. Make a point to carve out 20 minutes to type a short email to networking conacts you just made because it leaves an impression. It shows that individual that you are serious by staying connected and is a subtle way of providing your contact information again if they didn't get it or misplaced it for some reason.
For the individual who met a lot of people it provides them a refresher on what you might have talked about and the purpose of your interaction. Always remember to put in that one little tidbit of information and shows them you really were paying attention. If they tell you they were just married, recently had a death in the family or are planning a family vacation it is just a simple way to say, "I was listening".
As the recipient of many follow-up emails I can tell you I appreciate them because I can read them at my own pace. A phone call can sometimes to an interruption to your day especially if you are trying to meet a deadline.
Remember the second interaction is sometimes more important than the first and don't let a great connection slip away by not following up!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
PAY IT FORWARD NETWORKING STYLE
Most of us have benefited from networking and we probably didn't even know it. How many times when moving to a new community have you asked others where to bank, get a haircut or to find the right doctor? Networking happens every day in our lives when we make referrals to others that benefit someone else. I can't even count how many times my network of friends and colleagues have benefitted me throughout life.
Because of that I feel an obligation to help others by connecting them to individuals who can assist them through the highway of life! Just this week I connected an old high school friend that I haven't seen in 26 years to a friend of mine here in Iowa because I found they both have a passion for baseball. Within a few days of them talking on the phone they both have already assisted a young man in fulfilling his dream of playing professional baseball, all in a matter of days.
A young woman who I only met a few weeks ago is now connected to two colleagues of mine at the University of Oregon so they can assist her in securing an interview for a position. I haven't seen or talked to these colleagues in 5 years and only met this young woman two weeks ago. All it takes is one connection to change your life!
I try to help others by using my network because so many others have used their networks to help me at various times. So the next time you meet someone think about how you might be able to help them connect with a member of your network for a mutual beneficial outcome for everyone!
Pay it for through your network!
Because of that I feel an obligation to help others by connecting them to individuals who can assist them through the highway of life! Just this week I connected an old high school friend that I haven't seen in 26 years to a friend of mine here in Iowa because I found they both have a passion for baseball. Within a few days of them talking on the phone they both have already assisted a young man in fulfilling his dream of playing professional baseball, all in a matter of days.
A young woman who I only met a few weeks ago is now connected to two colleagues of mine at the University of Oregon so they can assist her in securing an interview for a position. I haven't seen or talked to these colleagues in 5 years and only met this young woman two weeks ago. All it takes is one connection to change your life!
I try to help others by using my network because so many others have used their networks to help me at various times. So the next time you meet someone think about how you might be able to help them connect with a member of your network for a mutual beneficial outcome for everyone!
Pay it for through your network!
Monday, February 15, 2010
NETWORKING WITH VENDORS
Almost every profession has a professional association or conference that you will belong to. Most of those conferences are subsidized through the support of vendors who provide products and services to all of us. In addition to their support of our profession one of the most valuable assets they provide you? They are a tremendous connection for you to have within your professional network.
A vendor partner travels the country visiting other clients in your same industry trying to sell their products and services. They are very aware of who in the industry is talented and a leader. They can be valuable to you when the time comes to move to another job or selling a product. In addition they are great resources to talk with when you are considering a potential move because they know, or have heard about the situation you may be entering.
Don't forget that you can be a tremendous resource for them as well if you are a satisfied customer and help them attract new businees. Never under estimate the power of vendors and how they can contribute to your professional success. The next time you attend a professional conference then make sure you stop in to meet the vendors and keep your name and/or your business active in their minds.
NETWORKING NEVER TAKES A VACATION!
A vendor partner travels the country visiting other clients in your same industry trying to sell their products and services. They are very aware of who in the industry is talented and a leader. They can be valuable to you when the time comes to move to another job or selling a product. In addition they are great resources to talk with when you are considering a potential move because they know, or have heard about the situation you may be entering.
Don't forget that you can be a tremendous resource for them as well if you are a satisfied customer and help them attract new businees. Never under estimate the power of vendors and how they can contribute to your professional success. The next time you attend a professional conference then make sure you stop in to meet the vendors and keep your name and/or your business active in their minds.
NETWORKING NEVER TAKES A VACATION!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
NETWORKING DOESN'T TELL TIME!
I had a crush on a cheerleader from a neighboring town in high school and just never got her attention. Life goes on and 25 years later we connect through Facebook and catch up on each others lives. No this story doesn't turn into a love story, BUT it does turn into a sale!
It just so happens this female friend has a promotions business and through our conversations I purchased promotional items from her. As we have continued to stay in touch our friendship has grown and I am about ready to place another order.
BTW, after 25 years I am now in Iowa and she is still in Indiana. Do you think she woke up a few months ago and said "I am going to track down that guy from high school and see if he wants to buy something"? No she didn't but that is exactly what happened because we were both utilizing a social medium to network.
NETWORKING DOESNT TELL TIME!
We all have stories to tell and watch next week for the next story from Networking Man!
It just so happens this female friend has a promotions business and through our conversations I purchased promotional items from her. As we have continued to stay in touch our friendship has grown and I am about ready to place another order.
BTW, after 25 years I am now in Iowa and she is still in Indiana. Do you think she woke up a few months ago and said "I am going to track down that guy from high school and see if he wants to buy something"? No she didn't but that is exactly what happened because we were both utilizing a social medium to network.
NETWORKING DOESNT TELL TIME!
We all have stories to tell and watch next week for the next story from Networking Man!
FILL YOUR WATER TANK BEFORE YOU ARE THIRSTY!
Every few months when I need a little diversion I decide to go through my Outlook address book or my rolodex of business cards. It is good to review all of your contacts and refresh yourself on how you know them, where you met them and when you last connected with them. Now with Facebook, Linkedin and others I find myself strolling through those contacts as well.
Remember, it never hurts to drop a contact in your network a little note ocassionally to let them know you are still interested in engaging them. A quick birthday text or email can be all you need to do to open up another networking door that had closed. Follow your networking contacts on Twitter with they have an account to again show them you are interested and remain cognizant of what they are involved in currently.
Wow, remember the old days when you actually had to write a note, call someone or send a telegram to stay connected to your network. For all those folks dumping their Facebook and Twitter accounts right now because it is too much work! Remember how much work it is to build your network when you don't have one or let it lapse.
FILL YOUR WATER TANK BEFORE YOU ARE THIRSTY!!!! You don't need your network until you need it!
Remember, it never hurts to drop a contact in your network a little note ocassionally to let them know you are still interested in engaging them. A quick birthday text or email can be all you need to do to open up another networking door that had closed. Follow your networking contacts on Twitter with they have an account to again show them you are interested and remain cognizant of what they are involved in currently.
Wow, remember the old days when you actually had to write a note, call someone or send a telegram to stay connected to your network. For all those folks dumping their Facebook and Twitter accounts right now because it is too much work! Remember how much work it is to build your network when you don't have one or let it lapse.
FILL YOUR WATER TANK BEFORE YOU ARE THIRSTY!!!! You don't need your network until you need it!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
DEBRIEFING AFTER THE EVENT
So you have just left an event and your brain is in networking overload, what next!
Before you put the car in reverse to rush home and watch "Two and Half Men", take a few moments to debrief. Take out the business cards you collected and write notes on the back of the card about something you learned about the person. If you don't have a business card then write on that notepad that you conveniently have in the car! Depending on your line of work it may be very important to know how many dependents they have, what their job title is or that they just cashed in a ton of stock! If they mention a job title or their place of employment put that down as well. You may want to even create your own ranking system that will help you prioritize your contacts.
Why is this important? You know how hectic life is and you are more than likely leaving this event to attend another event, return to work, have dinner with a friend or sit in the bleachers at a kids sporting event. If you don't take time to debrief immediately following an event then you might forget valuable information or get it confused with someone else you meet in the next 24 hours.
You may think "how could one name matter in a file of hundreds". That one name could be someone you are interviewing with in a few months. They might be the next referral for your business if you follow-up in the appropriate manner.
Speaking of follow-up. Watch for the next blog from Networking Man on easy ways to follow-up with individuals you have met at a meeting, conference or event.
Make a connection tomorrow that could change your life or someone else's!
Before you put the car in reverse to rush home and watch "Two and Half Men", take a few moments to debrief. Take out the business cards you collected and write notes on the back of the card about something you learned about the person. If you don't have a business card then write on that notepad that you conveniently have in the car! Depending on your line of work it may be very important to know how many dependents they have, what their job title is or that they just cashed in a ton of stock! If they mention a job title or their place of employment put that down as well. You may want to even create your own ranking system that will help you prioritize your contacts.
Why is this important? You know how hectic life is and you are more than likely leaving this event to attend another event, return to work, have dinner with a friend or sit in the bleachers at a kids sporting event. If you don't take time to debrief immediately following an event then you might forget valuable information or get it confused with someone else you meet in the next 24 hours.
You may think "how could one name matter in a file of hundreds". That one name could be someone you are interviewing with in a few months. They might be the next referral for your business if you follow-up in the appropriate manner.
Speaking of follow-up. Watch for the next blog from Networking Man on easy ways to follow-up with individuals you have met at a meeting, conference or event.
Make a connection tomorrow that could change your life or someone else's!
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