There seems to be some confusion between a database and a network. They may be intertwined but they are NOT the same thing. You may have collected 200,000 names for your database but you don’t have a network of 200,000 people. These people are in your database because you may have an opt-in list on your site or you may have purchased them from a provider or they may have used a shopping cart on your site to buy your products, books or tchotchkes (trinkets). You may have even met some of them in-person.
As a Conscious Millionaire you know that the people you’ve met, with whom you’ve had a face-to-face conversation, followed it up with a call, personal (not group) email or cup of coffee and then— entered their data in a contact management system —are more likely to be a vibrant part of your network because there has been personal interaction.
Knowing how to work a room is a vital skill for those who know how important it is expand our circle and reach out to people we need and ought to meet. It’s a matter of being social adept at mingling at events, starting conversations and circulating among a crowd.
The term network implies some relationship or, at the very least, some connection. The basis of the social (and business networking) sites is that we are connected to the people we know and to those whom they know and so on and so on.
The people who join my database because they opt in to my list or who follow me on Twitter.com are people who know me; but I don’t necessarily know them. Yet we have a personal connection…albeit a slim one.
In order to build a successful practice, business, downline or book sales, we need to partake of social networking sites that provide those “medium to weak” links because it is one way to expand our networks in this internet-working world. And, we must continue to develop and nurture our off-line networks of “real people” who know us; not just know of us.
Some ideas to nurture your network:
- RSVP and Attend sponsored events.
- Meet and talk to people you don’t know.
- Bring enough business cards.
- Follow up with an email, text, call, and invite others to connect on linkedin.
- Stay in touch… when you need NOTHING!
- BONUS: To Be different and memorable: Pick Up The Phone and have a conversation.
Above all, go everywhere with a one unalterable goal: to have fun! And if you meet people and make it a goal to make them comfortable with you, they will want to stay in touch and do business with you and be part of your network of sources and resources. Bonus: You’ll have a good time in the process while you consciously build your network.
Bio: Susan RoAne is a keynote speaker, internationally-recognized expert on connecting and communicating who helped launched the networking industry. She is the author of eight books including How To Work A Room® , Face To Face: How To Reclaim The Personal Touch in A Digital World and How to Create Your Own Luck.
You can follow her on twitter for timely tips and topics.
