Build a “networking” sheet.
On it, put every single contact that is important to you. Family, friends, business associates have a place there. Business cards are a wonderful resource. Put them to work to fill in most of the gaps.
If you don’t like to mix business with pleasure, separate the list, but get them all there. The insights that you gain are more than worth the trouble. I learned about my contact list and about myself through the exercise. This exercise recommended for those who are willing to put the time in and aren’t faint of heart. It is going to suck, but breathe and you will get through it.
Here are my insights:
- I don’t follow-up. When I put a column in for last contact date, I realized that although I had some great conversations going, I lost out on keeping up with some outstanding people. This is hard to swallow, but it does give me a baseline to keep up with
- People have some great interests. When you do your research on their social media (I chose twitter, anything else can do as well) you recognize that people are doing some great work. It is a great barometer to see if you are meeting people at the right places.
- I need to go to more places. I have a column for where I met, and I noticed that I have been to one place where my contacts come from. It is a great resource, but it lets me know I need to go more places. Exploring the world is wonderful, time to get out more. I have a column that I just added (THANKS TYI) where I ask if I would like to get coffee with someone, regardless of the business prospects. That helps cut down my list with people to chat with. I do want to keep some people I wouldn’t want to have coffee with as well. Baselines!
It was a little harsh, but an awakening. I have to get to it and build my network even further. The tough part will be finding a way to make sure that this is the worst it looks going forward.
From the desk of Adam Thomas 