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Dear Laura,
The present frigid weather conditions certainly contribute to our
decision whether or not we want to go outside. For our friends outside of
the U.S., I hope it's warmer wherever you are.
If one of your New Year's resolutions was to network more, I invite you
to reconsider. What you want to do is network smarter and in many cases,
network less.
I'll share with you some criteria you should consider that will help
you to determine "whether" or not to network with someone, attend an
event, or join an organization.
How to Network Smarter 
If you invest 15 minutes before you make a call or go to an event, you
are lightyears ahead of most everyone else. Most just rush, don't do any
research and end up wasting their time.
Take 15 minutes and ask yourself a few questions.
What is your goal? Be specific and write it down.
What do you know about the person or place you are contacting?
How did you connect with them in the first place?
Do you have 2-3 conversation starters?
What needs to happen in order for you to feel this was worth your time
and effort?
By asking yourself these few questions, you'll realize whether or not
you have thought about your intentions and will be more confident.
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People "Whether Report" |
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| Before you contact someone either by email or
phone, review the "whether" conditions. Be sure you are properly
prepared.
What is your reason for contacting them?
Have you contacted them before?
Did you follow up and keep them posted?
Are you ready to have the meeting right now? In some cases, we
get someone on the phone and they say, "I can talk to you right now"
and we're not prepared.
Do you have 2-3 specific questions to ask them? For example, a
specific question is "I'm seeking a contact at Pfizer so we can
present our new research and help them create a drug sooner."
The more specific you are, the more likely it is someone will be
able to help you.
Who introduced you? How does everyone know each other?
This preparation will help you be more successful.
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Event "Whether Report" |
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| On a day when the mercury is sinking and so is
your energy, it takes an effort to go to an event so you really want
it to be worth it. Here are a few things to consider:
Who or what organization is hosting the event?
Have you researched their website?
What three questions have you prepared (said outloud) that you
can ask anyone in the room?
Why are you going? What is your short term goal? Long term goal?
If the event is hosted by an organization, who are the board
members and management team?
What kind of a day have you had? If you are completely frazzled,
then maybe you should wait for another event.
Do you have the logistics covered - you know the directions,
dress code, etc.
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Organization "Whether Report" |
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| There are many worthwhile organizations we can
join that can help you grow and manage your network. It can be
overwhelming sometimes trying to decide. I encourage you to
participate in several types of groups - such as charity, alumni,
professional associations, etc.
First, do you like the people who attend?
Will you be able to make a visible contribution - be on the
board, be a speaker or on a committee?
Who are the board members?
What is the time commitment this organization will take?
Are the meetings at a time I can attend?
Who do I know that can give me advice on "whether" or not to
attend?
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Words Can Heal |
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 In several recent discussions
about networking the question arose, when you are sharing
information about someone, is it okay or is it gossip?
A few months ago I learned about the website, Words Can Heal. I
invite you to take a look. There are some good questions that can
help you determine if what you are saying is contributing to
someone's effort to network or not.
Words
Can Heal »
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Networking Survival Guide |
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| If you'd like to pre-purchase a copy of my book
published by McGraw-Hill, go to Amazon and receive a 30% discount.
Networking
Survival Guide
Thanks and happy networking!
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