You have a clearer idea of what you’re looking for out of your lists and networks. But do you know how can you tap into them to connect with the right and relevant people to your practice? Will it be done online or offline? What types of people do you already know who can help to grow your practice?
You may try to stay in touch with hundreds of connections or attends dozens of networking events or be a member of so many organizations —but can you really say that you have strong relationships with them? Are you really involved? Do you really have time to attend all the events?
Mt warm suggestion – work through the following 3 fundamentals lists and ask yourself who’s already in your circle of connections:
- The connections list.
- The organization list.
- The opportunities list.
You need to diagnose your different lists to determine what type of network you currently have, discover how your networking practices can lead to one kind of network or another, and overcome the key paradoxes of network building.
The best way to break through the barriers created by the different lists is by using the shared activities principle.
The growth of your practice based on networking is not forged through casual interactions but through relatively high-stakes activities that connect you with diverse others.
Ask yourself questions like:
- Where in my lists there are imbalances (i.e. lots of names in one category, none, or few in another)?
- Where in my lists do I most need to fill gaps?
- Which of these names in any of the lists have the most potential?
While it may seem counterintuitive to increase the power of your network of connections by limiting the number of people, opportunities, and organizations on your lists in it. But by focusing on and deepening a smaller number of important relationships, with specific organizations and a strict list of opportunities, you can create greater value for the people in your networks.
And remember: each of those people in your connection list has his or her own network, too. The deeper and stronger your relationships with them, the more likely they will be happy to introduce you to their connections (your weak links). In the end, that is where your business opportunities are!
If you’re ready to learn how to build your lists to connect with more relevant and right people to your practice, Don’t miss and watch this Live Q&A within our SWITCH membership!
