Social Capital and Networking

Networking is something I have been working on getting better at in the last year or so. Some who know me think I'm a natural at it. I'm not sure I agree. Even if someone is a "natural" at meeting people and finding common ground for a connection, that is just a small part of being an effective networker.

My desire to get better at this skill has led me to learn much by reading, observing others who are skilled at it and doing more of it myself. I find it an extremely valuable, rewarding and fun way to build my business by first serving others.

That's why I was interested to get a sheet of paper from a colleague, Hazel Walker, known as the Queen of Networking (hey, that is what is on her business card) in Indianapolis. Hazel owns the Indiana BNI franchise and is one of my networking mentors.

The sheet of paper lists 16 Proficiencies of Social Capital and Networking. (You can read the list HERE).

While there is lots of great stuff on this list, number 1 of Level Two struck me right away:

- Consistently Follow Up and Connect with your Network.

This is so important and too many people I've been around don't follow-up. I know that I sometimes have faltered in this area too, but you can't overstate its importance.

If you schedule time to go to a conference, party or networking event, schedule time to follow-up. If you leave the conference without time in your calendar scheduled for calls, thank you notes and other connecting, you won't get it done.

And if you don't get it done, you wasted the time in making initial connections.

Follow-up

Follow-up

Follow-up.

Make it your mantra.

Gotta go - I've got some thank you notes to write.

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