Start right in the new year…
You need a strong personal network to succeed in business. The most successful individuals are those who build strong relationships and utilize those relationships to make great things happen. However, it is not one-sided. You need to give back to your network, not just take from them.
Networks are not simply about joining a group or reaching out when you need something (such as a job, referral, etc.) Networking is about selecting the right people to help you fill in those areas where you are not strong. It may be joining a particular group certainly (I belong to a couple that I find to be of value and to which I can contribute significantly), or it may just making connections with individuals who can support you and whom you can support.
Consider these best practices in building and maintaining a personal network you can count on and who can count on you:
- Select individuals who:
- Have strengths you do not have
- Are in industries in which you are interested
- Are interested in sharing with you
- Want to be part of an active network
- Who can you support in some way
- Who you can support in return
- The size of the network does not necessarily matter. What matters is that the network is large enough to support your efforts and that you can support each of their efforts. But not so large that you barely know the individuals which whom you are networked.
- Meet regularly with your network. Regularly, of course, is what works for you and your network. I meet with some folks monthly, others quarterly, and for others in my network – we don’t get together but rather email to each other on a weekly basis just to catch up and support each other’s efforts.
- On a regular basis share any of the following with your network:
- Articles or white papers
- Research
- Introductions to others
- Information on an upcoming event or webinar
- Opportunities you come across suited for them
Just like with friends, your personal network needs care. If you are only interacting them with you need something from them, they won’t be around long. Start the new year with a plan for building and nurturing your network. Good luck!
How do you build your personal network? Please share with others in the Comments field below.
Related post: The Power of Networking.
