Video
Building \u0026 Nurturing a NetworkNurturing a supportive network -
You get talking to someone at a networking event and they are full of enthusiasm about your business. I know a great consultant who can help you understand and implement it. You nod enthusiastically, say thank-you, hand them your business card, and then…nothing.
The reality is, they are probably in the same boat as most of us and are just super busy. But what perception would you have of that person?
Your business sounds really exciting. After we chatted I went to a seminar on x which was really useful. The slides were shared online afterwards www. When we were chatting, you mentioned you were potentially looking at bringing your Google Ads and Meta advertising in-house.
Google Skillshop. It takes more time. And you need to be able to recall your conversations effectively this is where I find my notes app on my phone really helpful!
This is usually recent enough that they can still remember you, but not so quick that you look over-keen! This could be as simple as sharing a relevant article around a topic you discussed, a link to some valuable resources based on a topic they showed interest in, or even offering to introduce them to a helpful contact.
But use your own judgement. Sometimes you strike gold, the stars align and you make a mutually beneficial business relationship after meeting someone once and sending a single follow-up email.
But most of the time, the contacts you meet from networking take a little bit of nurturing to help them develop into powerful relationships. This is why you need to look at effective ways to nurture your network in the long term, and where the following tips can be useful:.
Almost everyone I speak to that works in a small business is stretched for time. So my tip to make sure you take the time to nurture your network is to carve out some time early in your day to focus on this task. Maybe before everyone arrives in the office or your emails start coming in thick and fast.
Just 20 minutes a day soon adds up and can reap great rewards. And also think about personal vs professional motivations, and how that fits with your objectives for networking. And you never know where the next unexpected lead might come from….
But if you are stretched for time and your motivation for networking is to grow your business, you might want to think about investing more in nurturing connections where there is more likely to be mutual business benefit.
This is where having an engaging LinkedIn profile and regularly posting valuable content can be helpful. By seeing regular posts from you, your connected contacts are more likely to keep you front of mind for opportunities.
In addition to posting yourself on Linkedin, you might want to consider engaging with the content posted by people you want to nurture relationships with.
But try where you can to add value in the comments you make. If you know that a contact in your network is interested in a particular topic, if you ever come across a valuable resource — consider sharing it with them.
Also I offer a follow up package to help you master it! Your email address will not be published. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
The Power of Follow-Up: How to Maintain and Nurture Your Network for Long-Term Success by JoBrightCat 6 Jul Advice 0 comments.
Other examples include providing support with a career transition, helping to fill open positions, acknowledging and celebrating achievements, extending social invitations.
Building mutually dependent relationships requires that you take from others as well as give to them. Always accept favours and express appreciation when contacts offer to help you. The mindset that you bring to networking is important.
These qualities draw or pull people to you, and with them, more information, ideas, support, feedback. In contrast, approaching your relationships in a self-centered manner, putting your needs at the forefront, turns people off from engaging with you. If you have invested time in nurturing strong ties of mutual dependence, it will be much easier for you to approach your contacts for favours and you will find them eager and willing to help.
Requesting favours can also be an opportunity to strengthen your relationships. Glickman offers a method for making requests that reinforces reciprocity and builds trust:.
Sustaining your network requires effort and vigilance. You can increase your chances of building enduring network ties by paying attention to the following:. Social networking can be an efficient and powerful way of building and nurturing a network. To build an effective online network, focus on the following:.
In earlier posts, I described the qualities of effective professional networks and offered practical steps for making new connections. In this post, I share techniques for building strong and enduring network ties and leveraging your network.
Establish Mutual Dependence Nurturing your network involves fostering trust and loyalty through reciprocity—continuously giving and receiving information, resources, support, and feedback. Adopt an Energiser Mindset The mindset that you bring to networking is important. Adopting an energiser mindset means: Being attentive and responsive in your interactions with others.
Active listening and respectful questioning communicate to others that you care about them. Make it your mission to find out what drives your contacts, what they care about, what keeps them awake at night.
Respond to those interests and concerns in how you serve them. Following through on your commitments. Keeping your promises builds trust. Focusing on the needs of your contacts and putting them ahead of your own.
You should always be thinking of ways that you can add value to your contacts, not the other way around. Driving new interesting and stimulating ventures and involving others.
People like to be part of the action, especially anything new and exciting. Send a congratulatory card, or better, offer to take contacts out for a celebratory drink or lunch. Master the Art of Asking for Favours If you have invested time in nurturing strong ties of mutual dependence, it will be much easier for you to approach your contacts for favours and you will find them eager and willing to help.
Glickman offers a method for making requests that reinforces reciprocity and builds trust: Be upfront about your motive. Let your contact know that you are asking for a favour. Transparency builds trust. Give a reason.
Get a printable template for supplrtive Action Plan, fill it in with some target dates, networj share it with Nurturing a supportive network team. Nurturing a supportive network it on Nurtufing wall where everyone can see it. We also run Learning Groups on these topics where you can join other leaders tackling the same challenges. We would like to keep you updated on our latest insights and content for which we ask you to register. Nurturing your support network over time Medium effort High impact. Start this Action Plan. What's involved?
This website uses cookies to ensure the newtork user experience. Manage My Cookies. Confirm My Selections. MBA Life. Chicago Booth Magazine. Chicago Booth Review. Why Booth.
0 thoughts on “Nurturing a supportive network”