Networking is not a spectatator sport

Many people hear a speaker say, “Networking is a great way to get new clients.” They rush and join sites such as LinkedIn and twitter and then just sit there. They don’t add any new contacts, they don’t reach out to people from their past, they just sit there. Then after a few weeks they say, “That speaker was a load of crap. Networking doesn’t work.” I’ve got news for you. Networking is an active thing! It only works if you work it regularly. By “work it” I mean you have to be in touch with your network at all times. Let them know what you’re working on in your status updates. Offer to help with what they are working on.

Networking isn’t just something you do by going to an event and passing out business cards. Stay in touch with the people that you meet. Meet them for coffee or lunch if they are local. I can’t stress this enough. Networking is about action. No action means no results. Why are you still reading this post? Start reconnecting with some of your peers.

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