What Does Your Network Look Like?

What is your big goal for 2010? Do you have a bunch of tiny ones? Who are the people who can help you get to where you want to be? Take a hard look at your network and take inventory of the connections you have and note where you need to improve.

 

1. What do you want to learn about? I’ve recognized that I really like learning and the challenge of the graduate education solidified it for me. The MBA from Iowa State University opened my eyes and mind to new concepts, constructs, and a greater appreciation for businesses. I want to learn about how businesses consume professional services and how I can continually add value to the relationship. This will require regular contact with business leaders and asking them to think about their business, history, and goals.
2. Who can connect you to others? This is important as you need to get out of the vacuum and find those people Malcolm Gladwell describes in “The Tipping Point” as connectors who can align relationships. These relationships can be based on school, hobbies, interest, awards, charities, family, worship, or my favorite, exercise. Where else, but exercise, can you share an experience and spend quality time together? Just running for 55 minutes yesterday, I connected with four people that I’ve been planning on talking to about health and nutrition, goal setting, and marketing.
3. How can you make these connections? Here is the tough part. Provide value to make the connection and meeting. Never go into a meeting without a goal of what needs to be accomplished. This little act shows that you are aware that time is valuable and you intend on giving something back for the interaction.
4. What could you give away? This is my Steve Farber-esque “Greater Than Yourself” advice of the day. What is something you’ve learned along the way that could help the connection. Is it an idea, a connection, a referral, business, or advice? Think about it and be prepared to give. People will remember it and it will come back to you greater than you paid out in the first place.

Like Rome, networks aren’t built in a day. I’ve realized value of my networks many times over the years. It is a relationship that is built upon giving, rather than taking. Sharing ideas, contacts, experiences, and goals help create that tie that binds. My freebie for the day: ask someone who is important to you out to breakfast, coffee, lunch, or a drink, and be prepared to ask questions, listen, and learn. Make the engagement about them and see where the opportunities are for you to help. I’ve spent the better part of November doing this, and the value of the shared time, information, inspiration, and energy is fantastic.

Caffeinate Your Marketing

Every now and again, I need to sit down with people I look up to professionally for a cup of coffee and a dose of inspiration. Like anyone, I get stuck in a rut from time to time and need a little push to get me going again. Coincidentally, November has been the month where I’ve taken quite a few coffee meetings, lunches, and a few beers, as well.  Here are some of the high points from what I’ve learned.

• Think creatively. What is the most inexpensive way to dispense knowledge and share information? How about a book club at your office where you read a book and lead executives through a thirty minute session based on your findings?
• Add value. If you’re meeting with a high-level executive or mentor, think about what they may need to be successful? Find out what they’re passionate about and add some light to the subject. Let them know what is big in your professional environment and why they should be aware of it.
• Why hire an expert when you can do it yourself? This pieces was invaluable for me. Even when you have a great deal of professional respect for the experts, have some confidence in yourself and your gut. It can save you time, money, and improve your standing.
• Don’t be scared to think big. The big ideas are the ones that challenge us to look at matters differently and say “what if…”
• Don’t be scared of criticism. Criticism is a means to find ways to improve the way you work with individuals and groups. Figure it out, get help from others, and make the steps to add value to the relationship.
• Protect your time. Turn off your e-mail alerts, block time to think, write, act, and review your tasks, projects and goals. You’ve got a calendar on your desktop, use it. Just in the past few days, I’ve been more productive by emptying my e-mail box, setting time on my calendar for big tasks, and delegating those that can be handled without me. (Note: I’m not that important that tasks can get done without me.)
• Make tangental connections. After you’ve had a meeting with someone, set another, but bring a friend or business associate who would make sense.
• Set action steps. If you have a meeting of the minds, make sure you follow up on what you have talked about.
• Stay in touch. Don’t do it just once a year and expect to see a value.

I’m sure more will come of this post, so keep an eye out for how I follow through on these goals.