Most people know at least 100 people. (You may not be best
friends - but you know of them) Do the math: IF you know 100 people and they
each know 100 people, that's 10,000 potential contacts! If you add more contacts
the higher the number. Spend time developing relationships with the people you
already know - clients, colleagues, people you meet through professional
networking organizations, friends and even family
Start by making a list of all the people you know. Next,
prioritize your list into As, Bs and Cs. As are your advocates. These are the
people who feel strongly about you. They're the "cheerleaders" who would refer
business to you right now. Bs could become advocates if they knew more about
you, so you need to spend time with these people to educate them. Cs are those
people you don't communicate with often enough. You may keep them in the loop,
but they need more time and nurturing before they'd refer and business your way.
If there are any names that remain, delete them.
Keys to success: Educate, don't sell. The key here is to
build relationships. These develop over time as you create credibility and
trust. To be truly effective, you must always be on the lookout for ways you can
help your network. Start from the perspective of giving more than you ask, and
your network will become your most valuable marketing tool.
Start by making a list of all the people you know. Next,
prioritize your list into As, Bs and Cs. As are your advocates. These are the
people who feel strongly about you. They're the "cheerleaders" who would refer
business to you right now. Bs could become advocates if they knew more about
you, so you need to spend time with these people to educate them. Cs are those
people you don't communicate with often enough. You may keep them in the loop,
but they need more time and nurturing before they'd refer and business your way.
If there are any names that remain, delete them.