Networking: Remember the Telephone?

April M.

The most powerful networking happens in person. Words, inflection and body language all contribute to the communications. Each time I have an opportunity to meet someone new, my preference is to sit down face to face to get to know the person. Rapport is built faster and easier. Being co-located solidifies and cements the bond between the us. Face to face is my favorite way to network.

Online networking can be global so face to face meetings are often not feasible. I receive several LinkedIn invitations every day. Most of the time I check out the inviters profile and click on the accept button. Several times a week, something on the inviters profile will strike a chord with me and I reach out to learn more about them.

If my new networking contact is local, I'll follow up with an email requesting an in person meeting. For those farther away, I'll respond with an email requesting a phone call to discuss a specific topic. Phone conversations transmit your words and inflection though lose body language messaging. Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of getting to know a diverse group of resources through networking phone calls. These contacts have become friends and partners leading to referrals, alliances, business resources and new coaching ideas.

I also get calls from people who are interested in my posts to online groups or my blog. For me, it's good to know others are reading my comments. I enjoy the feedback, alternative perspectives and learnings. It's also an opportunity for me to be inspired and learn more from others. The three dimensional, in-person networking tops my list. Telephone calls do fill a niche when you can't get there in person. Emails are flat and do not let your personality shine through.

Take a few minutes this week to nurture your network. Pick up the phone and call that person who sent you a LinkedIn invitation, swapped business cards at a event, or was referred by a mutual contact. Make the time to deepen that connection. There is no better time than right now.

Replies to this Topic

I CHUN

Hi,

Thanks for your advice.  Today it is so attempting to just sit in front of computers and puch the keyboard all day.

To offer some related resources, here is the link to an article from another blog about networking.  It offers statistics for people who need some persuasive evidences on the importance of networking, along with some resources of "how-to" tips.

http://www.upmo.com/blog/upmo-study-tracking-the-habits-of-elite-networkers

Enjoy!

April M.

Thanks for sharing this article. Many people still think they don't have time to network or that networking is only for those looking for a job. Successful people network for life.

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