TIN #089 - A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Your Networking Contacts List
Essential Tips for Introverts to Manage and Expand Networking Lists
Welcome Back, Networkers!
And welcome to this week's edition of your go-to guide on networking for introverts.
Today, we’re focusing on one of the most fundamental tools in your networking arsenal: your contact list.
Whether it’s a high-tech CRM or a classic Rolodex, the principles of building and maintaining this list remain the same.
Let's dive into the world of effective networking lists and discover how you can optimize your list to work wonders for your connections!
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
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Understanding Your Networking Contact List
Whether you use a spreadsheet, a specialized database, or old-school paper records, the key to a networking list is accessibility and simplicity.
If it's too complicated, you won't use it, and a stagnant list means a stagnant network.
Key Tips:
Keep It Simple: Use tools that you are comfortable with and can access easily. I use Notion (affiliate link), but you can use a spreadsheet or database, whatever works for you.
Update Regularly: Make it a habit to frequently update contact details and interaction logs.
Structuring Your Contact List
In our last issue, I shared my daily networking routines and my own list setup.
You can get a copy of my list right here.
I have it structured to make it as effective as possible. In addition to things like Name, Email, and Social Media Profiles, I include the following info:
Categories: Inspired by the 5-25-150 method (a strategic approach to categorize contacts based on the frequency and closeness of interaction).
Status: Mark the phases of your interactions following one of the 5 Steps to Grow Your Professional Network.
Last Touch: Always note the date of your last interaction to keep the relationship warm.
Next Follow Up Date: Date you’ll contact your connection again. Sort your list by this date so that you see who you need to connect with today, tomorrow and in the future.
Notes: Key Information about your connection
Lists: Ways to group your connections. Could be “Former Co-worker” or “Partner” or “Vendor.” Add groups that make sense to you.
Current Company: Helps you keep track companies where you already know someone.
Who to Add to Your Networking List
Starting a list from scratch can be daunting. Here’s how to populate your list efficiently:
The First Five:
Identify the first five people you would inform if you lost your job today (excluding immediate family).
These are typically your closest professional contacts or mentors.
Add these to your list first as they are your strongest allies.
Utilize Existing Networks:
LinkedIn Contacts: Filter through your LinkedIn connections to find first-degree connections you’ve lost touch with.
Email Archives: Scour through your sent emails and contact folders to rediscover old connections.
Reconnect with Former Colleagues:
Second-Degree Connections: Use LinkedIn to find former colleagues who you haven't connected with yet but should have.
Action Steps:
Start with the easiest 'First Five'.
Move on to reconnecting through professional networks and emails.
Constantly update and categorize new and old connections.
Maintaining Your List
The real magic happens not just in making a list but in keeping it alive and kicking:
Regular Updates: Set reminders to follow up on interactions.
Scheduled Reviews: Periodically review the list to add new connections and update the status of existing ones.
Dynamic Categories: As your relationship with a contact evolves, move them between categories (from 150 to 25, or 25 to 5, as they become closer).
Practical Tool: Use platforms like Notion or simple spreadsheets to manage your list. They allow you to add, modify, and delete entries easily and keep your list dynamic and functional.
Today's Task: Start Simple
Your task today is to set up your basic networking list if you haven’t already.
Choose a platform (like Notion or Excel), and start with the 'First Five'.
Then, schedule a regular weekly time to update this list.
This minimal effort will pay off massively as your network grows and opportunities arise.
Remember, networking as an introvert isn't about the number of connections you make but the quality and strength of those connections.
Start small, keep it simple, and watch as your world expands through the people you know.
Stay connected, stay introverted!