No matter what your current role or future aspirations, networking is a critical skill and should be a top priority. And as with many things in business, there are no shortcuts. Building a strong, effective network takes daily activities and discipline.
You can make it complicated, follow a longer “daily do” list (not a bad idea), or make it easy on yourself and do just five things every day. I bet you can do them in 15 minutes or less once you make them a priority and get the hang of them.
Just five things, every business day:
Five Thank You’s via email or voicemail
Four Catch Up’s with those you haven’t seen or spoken with in awhile (via email or phone)
Three Recommendations (via email or LinkedIn)
Two Referrals (via email, phone, in person or other appropriate channel)
One Hand-Written Note (a thank you, congrats, etc.)
If this sounds like a lot, do less. Eliminate a step, or cut down on the volume. But these are the foundational, daily activities that – over time – build powerful networks.
