There Are
Opportunities all Around – From A to Z
“NETWORKING”- Part 2
Getting The Most Out Of Our Developing Network
By Zahra Aprili
Soulcial Scene Contributor
Last month in “A to Z” we
started a dialogue about building a rewarding and effective
network. When we start building the relationships in our
network, it is important that we have a plan of action that
we are able to follow.
There are many different
opinions on how people should approach networking, it is up
to you to experiment and develop what works best for you.
As I said before, having a
network means having relationships and it is up to you to
communicate clearly and nurture each of those relationships.
Just in case you forgot, my
three important steps to building up your relationships are-
FIRST CONTACT, EVALUATION and MAINTENANCE.
Last month we dived right
into step one and I challenged you to reshape your approach
to networking and take time during this month to meet new
people. How did you do?
Did you make yourself
available to meet someone new? Perhaps you decided instead
to reach out to an acquaintance you did not know very well
and begin a conversation? Whoever you chose to engage, I
hope the steps I gave you helped you to feel confident in
your process.
Remember step one in your network building is FIRST CONTACT.
1. KNOW YOUR PURPOSE
2. SHARE INFORMATION
3. SHOW GENUINE INTEREST
4. EXCHANGE CONTACT INFORMATION.
Now that you have some
prospects for your developing network let’s look at the next
step.
EVALUATION
It is important to realize
that not everyone you hold a conversation with is going to
become a part of your developing network. With each contact
that we make, a decision must be made on whether the
individual is worth expending the energy to nurture the
networking relationship.
I’m sure you are wondering
how exactly you are supposed to evaluate if you should
continue to develop the relationship. Well, that is an easy
question! Ask yourself the following:
1. What was your purpose when
initiating the contact? This is why you must KNOW YOUR
PURPOSE when engaging in networking. Your reason for
initiating contact will determine how you funnel your
connection through your funnel.
2. Is the contact directly
engaged in your purpose? This is a simple yes or no
question. Yes answers get a star (). No answers get a
question mark (?).
3. Did you gather from your
conversation that the contact is connected with individuals,
businesses or organizations that relate to your purpose? Yes
answers get a star (). No answers get a question mark (?).
4. Do you feel as if you made
a personal connection in addition to a purpose connection
with the individual? Perhaps you were speaking to two or
three people from the same organization, yet out of the
three you found out that one of them has a child that plays
the same sport as yours. Yes answers get a star (). No
answers get a question mark (?).
5. Maybe you have a personal
belief or have had an experience that warrants you add an
additional question. What is the question you need to ask
yourself? Add it here.
______________________________________________________________________
Yes answers get a star ().
No answers get a question mark (?).
Your answers to these
questions help will determine how you proceed. If a new
contact has multiple stars, take it as a sign that this is
an individual that you need work on developing a relation
with for your growing network.
It is hard to nurture and
maintain multiple relationships. That is not to say that you
should not follow up with all the people with whom you have
exchanged contact information.
I am only stressing that when
it comes to developing our network we must use discretion as
we grow our circle. We cannot nurture a relationship
everyone. If a person has more question marks (?) than stars
() adding them to your network may only stretch you thin as
you begin to grow, share of yourself and maintain your
growing network of relationships. Star () and question
marks (?) are the difference between following up with:
() – “Hi Jane Doe, It was
really nice meeting you yesterday. I’m really interested in
learning more about what you do with organization 123. It
sounded like we are working on similar projects and I would
love to talk more about YOUR PURPOSE. Are you available for
coffee next week?”
VS
(?) -- “Hi John Doe, It was
great speaking with you the other day. Let’s stay in touch;
I may be able to point you in the right direction for the
project you mentioned.”
Remember EVALUATION is the
next step in growing your network. Make sure you follow up
with everyone you connected with last month. How about
setting a goal of making three new December connections
using the four steps of FIRST CONTACT and funneling those
November connections through EVALUATION based on the
questions above? Give it a try!
Zahra Aprili is a
professional consigliere. She works with individuals and
businesses that have ideas for growth and change, helping
them to get organized and connecting them with service
providers who can help them on their journey.
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