Tuesday 14 May 2013

Anchor Your Networking With Strong Relationships


Thursday 24 September, 2009
As you take a look at the networking groups you may be participating in, think about the links or relationships you have formed with the individual members.
How many links does your chain have? Do you have strong relationships with many of the other members of the group, or are you closely linked with some, but disconnected and detached from others for whatever reason?
So how do you go about letting out more chain during times when the economic winds have strengthened against our businesses? It’s time to get serious about developing stronger relationships with each and every member of the networking groups you participate in, even with the people you don’t think have the contacts you might want, or perhaps are in a business that is not exactly symbiotic with yours.
Have you done one-on-ones with these people as well? Spending the time to do one-on-ones with each and every active member of your network helps you develop a longer and stronger chain. Each person in your network is one of the links that lengthens that chain.
The wisdom of laying down a longer chain to strengthen the ability of the anchor to hold strong is critical for the success of your personal network.
Look for networking organizations that have leaders who are qualified to signal the direction the chain is lying as the dynamic in your group changes. Watch for guidance in what adjustments to make to ensure that your network is pointed in the right direction. You need qualified people in your personal network who are willing to dive in to help lead a network in the right direction.
So starting this week, try making your main focus to develop your “relationship chain” within your personal network. It will be what anchors your business and your networking efforts for longevity, despite economic fluctuations. The old adage that a chain is as strong as its weakest link is true for a ship as well as a network.

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