Now let’s switch back to the personal side. You need to build meaningful connections. It’s the quality of your network, not the quantity of people in it. This is all about being real and having real connections.
Face to face events
Attend face to face events, go to networking events, go to industry events, user groups, etc. These events are where business deals are made and referrals come from.
Pick up the phone
Pick up the phone and call people. It’s not about sending emails or Facebook messages, it’s actually about talking. If you could reach them all the better.
Prune Facebook below 600
My rule is to prune the connections below 600 this way you can actually keep up on things. Now you’ll have to decide what number works for you, but remember, if this isn’t a person you’ve talked to in a while, someone that you actually care about or have connected with, remove them from your network or at least take a break from them without unfriending them. This way you cut down on the clutter and I can’t emphasize this one enough.
Thank you notes
Send thank you notes. There are so many times that this has saved me by sending personal thank you notes and have everyone in the office or in the team sign it. People remember that they’re working with people. People appreciate this. It’s the thought that counts and sending a thank you note shows that you appreciated the work.
It reminds them that you’re a real person and in the future when they’re thinking about who to work with, they’re going to remember you and if you make a mistake, well again, they remember that your people or a person who worked on the project make that personal connection. We get hundreds of emails a day, but only a few pieces of real mail and most of those are ads are junk. A thank you note really stands out.
Can’t wait for the rest?
See all 31 resolutions right here (and be sure to watch the whole video for a free gift).
