Yeah, yeah, I know I’m being predictable with this one, but it is that time of year and we all should be resolving to be better.
Really we all should be working toward improving ourselves. And what better way than to make some resolutions. Right there next to the “lose 10 pounds” and “volunteer more” should be this list for the active and serious networker:
- Focus on paying customers. You went to all of the trouble to find them, now work at keeping them.
- Add a least one new networking group; drop at least one old networking group. Keep your contact channels fresh. Remember everything has a shelf life.
- Make networking part of your business week every week. Call your clients. Call new acquaintances. Call forgotten connections.
- Set weekly goals on how many new contacts you will add to your database (including LinkedIn). Also weed out those who have moved on. Recommend people. Like comments. Post comments and information.
- Commit to writing personal notes to new or existing connections at least once a week. Focus on quality, not quantity.
- Commit to having a set number of new contact meetings each week. Think about whom you want to meet, who have met and whom you already know.
- Commit to improving your posture and being aware of your body language. Review your wardrobe. Become friends with your dry cleaner.
- Resolve to effectively integrate social media into your networking strategy. Become familiar with the tools and use then regularly and with a point. Keep them current.
- Resolve not to procrastinate in making follow up calls. You’ll be forgotten (or at least not remembered) if you don’t follow up.
- Resolve to listen more and talk less in first or any meetings. Resolve to remember names and details.
- Resolve to be polite. Have manners. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Eleven simple ideas. Eleven things to choose from or do all of. Hey, it’s a start. Congratulations on a good year and good luck in the next year.
Relentless
