Overexposure can be a killer. Whether it is too much time in the Sun or spending too much time with a network contact, too much of a good thing can also be too much.
Maybe you are attending the same networking groups each month (or multiple times a month). Or you are eating at the same restaurants in the same pattern. The idea of networking is to mix it up, be fresh. Meet new people.
Be sure and leave your audiences wanting more of you. When you leave, be sure they are thinking about the next time they will be meeting you. In this respect, networking is a lot like romance. Also look for fresh ways to spice up your networking.
I have a friend who works virtually for her company in sales. On days when she can work at her home office she chooses to work at the local coffee shop. It has paid dividends for her in that she not only meets potential business contacts, she learns about what is going on in the neighborhood. But because of the randomness of her visits to the coffee shop, when she does show up, she draws a crowd.
Another associate is a former media buyer and press contact for a creative agency. The secret to multiple placements was feeding regular, but carefully placed, calls or messages to her contact list. The calls were placed, not in a pattern, but somewhat randomly. Her press contacts got to the point where they anticipated her messages and termed her a trusted source because of the value of the stories she brought.
When it comes to networking groups, do the same. If a group meets twice a month on Mondays, go to every other meeting. Mix in a new event each week and try a new breakfast or lunch place at least twice a week.
On line, make new friends and expand your network. At the same time, make contact with your regulars a little less frequently. However, respond when you are contacted promptly.
Building constituencies is a fine art and so is networking. By leaving them wanting more you leave them anticipating your next move and it helps you keep your content and message fresh even to an established contact.
Relentless
