TIN #088 - Unlock Your Networking Potential with These Daily Routines
Maximize Your Networking Efforts with These Pro Tips
Hey, Introverted Networkers!
It's Greg here.
Ever felt like you're stuck in neutral with your networking?
You're not alone, and I've got just the remedy for you.
Having a daily plan and a way to track your progress is a way to get “unstuck” in your networking.
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
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Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast as well.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
My Daily Networking Routine
Networking doesn't have to eat up your day.
Each day, I plan to spend at least 15 minutes networking.
I set a timer for 15 minutes. Then I do one or more of the following tasks:
Add new connections to my Networking Contacts list (aka “The List” - more on this later)
Send email or LinkedIn messages to people on The List
Respond to messages people sent me - usually because they received one of the messages I sent in #2
Set up time to meet with people in person
Send ideas or articles to people who would appreciate them
Sometimes it takes me 15 minutes to do one of these things, but I can usually get more than one of them done in that time.
Whether it's sending a quick note, following up on a previous conversation, or scheduling meetings, consistency is key.
You have to show up and send the messages, respond, set up in-person conversations. If you don’t do this, your networking will stall.
And keep in mind, it's about making meaningful connections, not just adding names to your list so you can check the “networking” box on your to-do list.
The 5/25/150 Secret to Networking
If you’ve been a reader of this newsletter for a while, I’ve told you about the 5/25/150 approach to managing The List.
I first mentioned it in TIN #035 - How To Mange Your List Of Networking Connections
Thanks to Josh Spector, I stumbled upon this gem from Sean Johnson and let me tell you, it's a game-changer for organizing your networking contacts.
It’s a simple list that categorizes networking connections as:
5 people you are going to focus on helping the most. Contact these people multiple times each month
The next 25 people you want to help. Contact them once a month
The next 150 people. Contact them once per quarter
As you meet new people, you’ll add them to your list.
Honestly, I haven’t even filled up my 150 bucket yet. That’s a lot of people. Effectively, The List becomes everyone you know.
Managing The List With Notion
I just started using Notion to manage my networking efforts.
If you’ve never used Notion, one of the powerful concepts behind it is you can make copies of other people’s templates and customize them for your needs.
I took the 5/25/150 template from Sean and made a few tweaks to fit my process.
Each day, I set my timer for 15 minutes.
Open up The List in Notion.
Then, I do any of the activities listed above.
Update The List as I go.
This tool helps me keep track of who's who, our last conversation, and when to reach out next.
It's the perfect blend of simplicity and functionality, and guess what?
I'm more than happy to share my template to get you started.
Your List will vary depending on your goals - job searching, business growth, or simply keeping your network vibrant and active
Of course, you don’t have to use Notion. You could do the same thing in a spreadsheet.
It's not the tools but the process and the persistence that count.
As I said before, this process isn't just a one-off; it's about integrating networking into your daily routine.
Introducing: The Introverted Network Playbook
I'm in the process of creating something special for you - a daily action plan tailored for networking.
It's a structured approach to ensure you know what to do and whom to connect with every single day.
Stay tuned for its beta test, and get ready to revolutionize your networking strategy!
Interested in the template or joining the beta test for the Introverted Network Playbook?
Reply to this newsletter, or hit me up on LinkedIn.
Your feedback and participation would mean the world to me.