10 Steps to Networking Right

You need to nurture existing relationship first and foremost.  This will be the foundation you will use to build a larger and more substantive network.

So how do you nurture these so called existing relationships? 

1) List the people you know.  I mean everyone.

2) Rate your level of relationship with them.  1=not enough, 2=kinda' friends, 3=best of friends

3) Put a keyword next to their name.  This key word will be something you know about them personally and/or professionally.

4) Begin reaching out to those you ranked 3s.

5) Ask them about that keyword you wrote next to their name. 

6) When asked about what you are up to, ask for specific advice and recommendations of people to speak with for more advice.

7) Follow-up immediately with the leads they give you (don't wait)

8) Add these new leads to your list of people you know, rate the level of your relationship (1-3) and add a keyword.

9) Provide the 3s with feedback after you have connected with their leads.

10) Now move on to the 2s and repeat steps 5-9.

I've met some great networkers along the way.  I've also met some who make my skin crawl.  The great ones always have a way of putting other's first, known as "other-centric".  The not so great ones have hidden agendas or it is "all about them".

This should be a continuos loop.  Touch base regularly with all of those people who are now in your network.

This is the process, my hunch is, you are looking for wording and phrasing to enter into some of these conversations.

Need additional reading:

Conversations about nothing

How to listen interpersonally

Will your contact be there when you need them?

Comments

[Career Sherpa]

@Mike Lally: Thanks a lot!

@Dan Erwin: Thank you for sending along the link on "smart power". The 4 points you've listed are absolutely critical for establishing a strong internal network which will build a foundation for stronger long-term success on the job and in the next job. I also love your 17 sure fire ways! Glad I found your blog!

[Dan Erwin]

I see you're referring to one of my blogs on networking. I've narrowed the network focus to four very important members. Thought you'd also find this blog of value: Who Should Be in My Work Network? http://danerwin.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/06/my-work-network.html

Thanks much,
Dan

[mike lally]

I like this. I like this a lot. I talk to so many people that tell me they don't have a network. Unless you sit in your home all day, in the dark, and don't talk to anyone - you have a network! This is a great, very easy to get started, methodology for putting your network together and activating it.