Some people are better at networking than others. Some work hard at it. Some do it naturally, effortlessly. But for most of us, building a network is important. It gives us new business opportunity, new job prospects, and access to a myriad people who can help you succeed (and visa versa).
One of the most connected people I know in Seattle doesn’t really work at it. He’s a natural connector, a naturally engaging and magnetic person. He constantly thinks about how he can help others.
For most of us, however, we have to work at it. Ten years ago, I had no network. I knew the people I worked with, and had previously worked with, but that was about it. I knew that one day I’d want to start my own business, and that I couldn’t very well open the doors without any clients, any prospects, and few people who knew me or what I could do.
So I started networking. I started paying more attention to the people I met, started putting myself in more situations where I’d meet interesting people. I asked questions, learned about their perspective, and built a follow-up and organizational system to keep track of who I had met.
I launched a monthly email newsletter (the first issue went to all of 60 people). And I kept at it.
Ten years later, I’m still doing it. I do it every day. It’s a muscle I had to build, a habit I had to form, but now it’s a natural part of how I work.
There are no shortcuts. You work hard, meet new people, build value and do it every day, for years on end. That’s how you build a world-class network.
I know many who wish it was easier, but I’m glad it’s not.
