5 Point Networking Check-Up

One of the ways that a healthy person stays that way is to go to the doctor for regular check ups. When an unhealthy person would like to gain better health, going to the

doctor for a checkup is even more important.

To keep your car running at its optimum level, regular tune-ups are necessary. When your car is not running well, you'll take it to the mechanic for repair.

In regards to both scenarios above, regular maintenance is necessary to avoid problems. Furthermore, if there is a problem, it needs to be addressed and resolved right

away.

Do you feel as though your business networking efforts are returning the maximum results? If so, that's great but I would still recommend a spot check to maintain or

improve performance. So, whether you are or are not getting powerful results, I suggest viewing this brief 5 point networking check up;

1. How often are you keeping in touch with key contacts?

You are probably keeping in touch with your key contacts but the question is, how much? These types of contacts seem to be closer to friends than business allies.

However, they are business connections and the amount of continual interaction affects your current and future dealings.

If you're working on a project currently with someone, it's natural to speak daily in most cases. However, out of sight can mean out of mind. This is why staying in regular

contact is necessary.

2. Are your contacts organized into the right categories?

There are three categories for contacts; Contacts, Connections, Allies.

Contacts, are people who you know by name and vice versa. You usually don't speak much but they are in your contact base with the potential of relationship growth.

Connections, are people in your contact base who you have a better relationship with and speak with on occasion.

Allies, are people whom you frequently exchange referrals with and are the closest thing to a friend in your business dealings.

Each one of the contacts in your network should be inserted into the proper category and as new events and instances occur, they should be moved and adjusted

accordingly.

3. How often are you meeting new people and creating new possibilities?

When was the last time you attended a business networking event? When was the last time you went online into online social networks and prospected for clients or

partners? Have you been out to any social events lately?

All of the above are opportunities for you to meet new people and create new options. This is an activity that needs to be done on a regular basis so that your well never runs

dry.

4. Is your follow up system efficient and effective?

Following up can be time-consuming and ineffective. Do you have a system in place that allows you to follow up, nearly on auto pilot? How are the results of your follow up

efforts? Are you getting what you want?

Being able to follow up every time is vitally important but sometimes it is neglected because of time constraints. Having a system in place for this is a must. You will also

want to get good results from those efforts. Equally, a system for this needs to be in place as well.

5. When did you last update your Elevator Pitch?

Elevator Pitches are useful to have but what worked last month may not be good for today or the future. It is important to update your Elevator Pitch with the changes and

upgrades of your company and its services.