Networking Anyone

December 7th, 2009

For the past 4 months I have been going crazy networking. I have been going to everything and anything – morning, noon and night. It leaves you exhausted! I can honestly say that I have learned many lessons though. I have learned that a diversified mix is good – open networking, closed networking and doing some volunteer work as well. It is good to be involved but do not over extend yourself. You want to be able to truly help the people who are part of these organizations.

During a meeting with Hazel Walker from the Referral Institute my “everything and anything” motto has changed to developing a strategic networking plan. This new plan involves not only belonging to different types of networking organizations but also setting goals for every event I attend. I have learned that less can be more if you are strategic and dedicated in your approach.  In order for me to use networking effectively to grow my business I need to develop this plan, put it in writing and truly stick to it. The best piece of advice that Hazel offered was to be true to myself and ask myself the question why I am a part of a particular networking group? If the answer is unclear then maybe I need to reevaluate why I am there.

Some final thoughts: explore different opportunities but eventually have a plan and stick to it, take advantage of other people’s knowledge whenever you can, and practice, practice, practice – your meter should always be running. You never know when or where you might meet your next client!

Karen Casey

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