A connection file is the best way to keep track of the people who are important to you.
Keep the business cards of people you've networked with. You'll want to transfer the data you noted on the back of the card to a file or form. You can then attach the business card to the form, file it or place it in a three-ringed business card binder. If you scribbled a note on a piece of paper, immediately record the information on your form, don't toss it into a drawer.
You needn't have a sophisticated, multi-sectioned file if that's not your style. Design a system that allows you to:
Find information quickly
Access the information in a way that's pertinent to your needs
Look people up by name, interest, career or organization
You may want to keep your networking record in a three-ringed binder, in a business card file, in a Rolodex file, a 3 X 5 inch file box or a 4 X 6 inch file box.
Keep it simple so that it's simple to keep up. Whatever system is used, it should be used faithfully, scheduling in your appointment book a period of time to work on your connections file as well as making calls.
Your memory might be outstanding, but can you keep track of 250 different people in your network? Don't put a strain on your brain.
When you've connected with someone, note on your calendar a date to reconnect. If you prefer, use a filing system divided into months and weeks. This will make reconnecting easier, efficient and effective.
Use your connection record file and MEMORY JOGGING FILES (often called "tickler files"). These files are essential to follow up on information with those in your network. You can set them up daily or weekly. File folders marked by the week or 3 X 5 inch file box that you check by the week are only as good as the information you've included.
Will you share what works for you? Comment below!!
Schedule at least one weekly networking related breakfast, lunch or evening activity. Do it NOW!
Take charge and do it now. Regardless of the system, it's only going to work if you take charge of it. Block out the same night and/or lunchtime on the same day of the week for several months in advance. Aside from committing yourself to it and reserving the time for this important activity, having it down and in front of you on a regular basis, it also helps because it's easier to remember spontaneously. You know you always have a Tuesday lunch available for those you want to connect with.
Don't fill these times with other activities...go to the post office, pick up the cleaning or catch up on your "in" basket.
This is the time you reserve to cultivate and develop new business goal related relationships. This is the time you get to know more people. This is the time you get to know more about the people who you have met that can help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Make it a habit, mark your calendar now. If you don't keep a daily, weekly calendar, get one and use it. Plot out your "networking time" and "connection calls time" for the next two months. You can also use this time to update your files. Or you can set aside another period of time to do this. Saturday is a good day. Early Sunday evening is also good.
Thank you for taking the time and expense to travel here to beautiful Carlsbad, California for the Executive Directors Conference. You are the front lines, as Executive Directors, for Leads Clubs.
Our Executive Directors will be working for the next three days learning about all the new tools and website enhancements that Leads Club has incorporated in it’s continued efforts to promote Leads Clubs and its’ members, especially through the internet. Their visit will culminate in a gala Saturday evening to celebrate their regional successes with an awards recognition dinner.
Leads Club International wants to thank all the Executive Directors for the time and effort they dedicate to Leads Club. This is why Leads Club is the premier networking group around.
Getting what you want out of life requires goals and objectives. We all have them, yet often we don't realize the extent of this effective, powerful skill.
If we do not develop a plan or a schedule or even know in which direction we have to travel until we have selected a destination, we become less effective.
Sheila Henry managed the pro-shop at a large golf course in South Carolina for a number of years. "I used to think goal setting was for wimps...I knew my own mind and thought I knew how to get what I wanted.." The change happened, according to Sheila, when she overheard a visiting PGA pro counsel a youngster during a youth golf clinic at the course. "I remember him telling this young girl, ‘Golf takes practice...make no mistake, but you've got to plan your game and your life.’ You can putt through life or you can play it with a one iron and give it all you've got."
"I remember smiling when I heard the corny golf analogy yet, I couldn't get it out of my mind...I was ‘putting’ though life. Ever since I took the job in the pro shop I'd been plagued with that nagging whisper echoing in my mind, ‘Is this it? Is this all I'm meant to achieve?’ The opportunities were there, I just had to stop putting. I started to set goals for every gathering I attended, talking with business people, making contacts. I set up long range goals, too. Now I'm a firm believer."
When I spoke with Sheila last, she'd purchased the town's sporting goods store and was thinking of opening another. She's cashing in on the women's golfing market with classes, clothing and special charity events for women in the sport. She's making more money.
Attending a public or private gathering without knowing your goal is breaking a primary principle of Focused Networking. Sure you might have a few laughs and mingle with the rich and famous but:
What is it you are trying to accomplish in your life or your business?
What do you want to accomplish at this gathering?
What information do you need?
With this technique, all encounters present opportunities to increase your business, make more money, and help you on your way...as long as you know the destination.
Baseball great Yogi Berra said, "If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else."
Leads Club would like to hear from you...how do you define "networking?"
What do you think are the benefits of networking for your business? What advice would you have to others to help them take better advantage of networking?
Leads Club has some networking tips that will help you "network your way to business success."
