Summary
The Fourth Pillar of Profitable Networking: Strategic Plan
- Ask contacts the vital questions: Where should I go? Whom should I meet?
- Use an electronic filing system for tracking contacts.
- Develop a user-friendly system to categorize your contacts so you can identify proper pace for follow-up and next steps for relationship management.
- Find ways to remain visible to your network. Don't fall off the radar screen, thus giving your competition the chance to create mini-bonds with your contacts.
- Follow through with your commitments.
- Once relationships are built, make a concerted effort to maintain and nurture them.
- Check potential networking events against your focus board. Activities that don't fit your criteria are not considered priority areas for building your professional network.
- Be proactive and strategic about your networking efforts.
- Proactively fill your calendar with opportunities to connect with people.
- Analyze the options available and make good strategic decisions about where to invest your resources. Avoid networking ruts. Expand your comfort zone to keep your networking fresh.
