10 Steps to Networking Right

You need to nurture existing relationship first and foremost. This will be the foundation you will use to build a larger and more substantive network.

So how do you nurture these so called existing relationships?

1) List the people you know. I mean everyone.

2) Rate your level of relationship with them. 1=not enough, 2=kinda' friends, 3=best of friends

3) Put a keyword next to their name. This key word will be something you know about them personally and/or professionally.

4) Begin reaching out to those you ranked 3s.

5) Ask them about that keyword you wrote next to their name.

6) When asked about what you are up to, ask for specific advice and recommendations of people to speak with for more advice.

7) Follow-up immediately with the leads they give you (don't wait)

8) Add these new leads to your list of people you know, rate the level of your relationship (1-3) and add a keyword.

9) Provide the 3s with feedback after you have connected with their leads.

10) Now move on to the 2s and repeat steps 5-9.

I've met some great networkers along the way. I've also met some who make my skin crawl. The great ones always have a way of putting other's first, known as "other-centric". The not so great ones have hidden agendas or it is"all about them.

This should be a continuos loop. Touch base regularly with all of those people who are now in your network.

This is the process, my hunch is, you are looking for wording and phrasing to enter into some of these conversations.