NURTURE YOUR NETWORK

Harvey Mackay is another one of my favorite authors. I consider him to be “my guru” when it comes to networking. In his book, “Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty,” he offers some of the best networking “how to” that I have ever read. Nurture Your Network!

One of his most significant pieces of advice is, “If I had to name the single characteristic shared by all the truly successful people I’ve met over a lifetime, I’d say it is the ability to create and nurture a network of contacts.”

For the past year I have offered several blogs on the topic of Networking. Even with the internet and the promise of social media, I firmly believe that a real network is invaluable. I define real networking as having a one-on-one meeting with another person and sharing your stories. If you feel that there is a synergy between the two of you, then nurture that relationship by doing the following: Yes, you should go back through your contact list and move the people you would like to nurture to your VIP list.

Add that person to your VIP contact list within 24 hours of your meeting. Obtain the following information: name, spouse’s name, address, occupation, birthday days and anniversary date.
Immediately after your meeting, send a hand written note.
Keep track and acknowledge special things like birthdays, achievements, anniversaries, holidays, etc.
Keep them informed of any changes in your contact information, new business offerings and other career progress.
Constantly be on the lookout for things you can do to help people in your VIP network.
This is the group that I refer without hesitation when I know of someone that can use their products or services.
Establish a minimum of 18 annual touches with everyone in your VIP network.
Add a minimum of one person to your VIP list every week.