Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose. I am a speaker and author. I am an expert in time and project management.
Today’s comment came from a busy professional:
How to Warm Up Cold Networking Contacts
When you’ve let your relationships with some of the people in your professional network go cold – no contact for several months or more — how do you get back in touch and rebuild those relationships.
Whether you are in the corporate environment or own your own business, you know how important business networking is to your advancement and growth. But often times, life gets in the way and we lose contact with some potentially important people in our careers. So – what’s the best way to re-connect?
-What’s the best way to get back in touch after a long period of no contact?
One of the best ways is to show interest in what they are currently doing and needing. Just reach out with no other agenda or motive than to catch-up with them. Don’t spend any time trying to sell them anything – just find out what’s going on with them.
-How can you avoid looking like you’re just getting back in touch because you need something?
Best way to warm up cold networking contacts is BEFORE you need something. Take them out to lunch or introduce them to possible new client for their business or send them an article or tool that they could use.
-Should you only focus on old contacts or set out to make new ones?
Of course the answer is “all of the above”. Sometimes you can combine and state – “I ran into a mutual friend of ours other day. This reminded me that you and I haven’t spoken in quite some time. I would like to get the three of us together for a catch-up gathering on Saturday.”
If you accept the blame for the lack of contact – most people will not be annoyed because they usually understand that communication is a 2-way street. If they have been good at contacting you and you have been ignoring them — then that’s going to be harder to repair.
How to keep your network revved up.
Of course the best way is to not let your relationship go cold. The best way to avoid this is to actually schedule and block time on your calendar to keep your leads, mentors and contacts. I have an Individual Network System (INS). This workbook outlines the what, who, why, when and how to keep these critical relationships thriving. If you are interested in a copy of this workbook, just schedule a quick appointment with me to discuss your particular environment.
I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.
With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.
I have a presentation on “3 Keys to saying YES to everything but on your own terms”. To sign up for the complimentary course, go to www.lauraleerose.com/Say-Yes