How well are you growing your Network?

Connect with the intention of giving more than you get.

Are you working to create and grow your network of business connections? How are you doing this? Do you have a plan?

These are very important questions that you should be able to answer easily, if not it’s okay, I can help.

Building a valuable network of connections is easier than you think if you have a strategic plan.

First things first, you should be clear on the type of connection I am referring to.

Deep seeded, solid, lasting business connections do not live in LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. These social media connections, potential business relationships, must develop into face-to-face relationships at some point. By face-to-face I mean, meeting face to face or at least Skype, phones calls, etc. It is impossible to truly connect with someone via social media alone. Shel Horowitz, a marketing consultant From Hadley Massachusetts said, “The quality of your social media connections is only reinforced by in-person connection.”

It is impossible to truly connect with someone via social media alone?

People will always buy into YOU first before they buy into your product or service. How can they know who you are without even speaking to you?

I have been building a value driven network for over 15 years and I can tell you that my strongest contacts are the people I have sat down with face to face. I can’t even begin to tell you the coffee dates, lunches and happy hours I have scheduled with networking connections over the years that have developed into long lasting, profitable and valuable business relationships.

I said it was easy remember. Here are a few steps to get you started. If you build your plan around these few steps you will be on your way to creating better connections and facilitating business relationships can last a lifetime.

Are you networking in the right circles for you?

First, find your “Niche”. Are you networking in the right circles for you? If not, find a group that has the capacity to give value in your respected area as well as receive it. Always be mindful of who you are networking with. After all, if you are looking for connections in MLM sales you wouldn’t want to attend an IT seminar.

“…….don’t be a “card thruster”.

Next, and maybe most important, don’t be a “card thruster”. By this I mean don’t make it a point to walk into the room passing out your business cards like a blackjack dealer in Vegas. Speed networking doesn’t typically yield the best return on your time investment. Besides, “quantity networkers” are easily forgettable. Be intentional and don’t try and work the room. If you are only out there looking for your next business connection hook-up it will show. When you are constantly looking over someone who is speaking to you to watch the door they will be offended. Take the time to make a sincere and authentic connections with each conversation. Connect with the intention of giving more than you get.

Lastly, ALWAYS follow up. This is so important, a challenge sometimes, but definitely a must do! Build a bridge for your next conversation with these new connections before you leave. Exchange contact information with intent and make notes of the conversation so that you have valid questions for them at your next meeting. i.e. “How is your project coming along? We’re you able to close the deal. Have you been able to find the connections you were looking for?” These are all great follow up questions and it lets the other person know you were truly listening.

As with anything that requires skill and equates a profitable outcome, it takes practice. The more you do it the better you will become.