The best networkers never sit on their contacts like misers hoarding gold. instead, they are constantly evaluating who they know, determining what leads are worth keeping and what leads no longer meet their needs. Many people put all their energy into planning, forgetting that the real growth takes place after the plan has been developed. As you implement your plan, commit to weekly reviews. you will find that once implemented, some things work better

Keep re-evaluating the effectiveness of your efforts. Your network is not just your pipeline to opportunities. It is now your net to all opportunities. Take time today to build those connections that count.

Getting introduced to others is just the beginning. the process of staying connected, “co-creating” opportunities with others following an initial meeting, is what the best-of-the-best networking is all about. Don’t be afraid that you don’t have anything to offer today. you don’t need to:

• Have an in-depth knowledge of another’s industry
• Have any current leads or referrals to give
• Have to manipulate the conversation to get the other party
• to focus on your needs
• Have to feel as though you are pushy
• Have to offer anything more than appreciation for the other person in the beginning and then be on the look out for opportunities for those with whom you network going forward

Finally, note that, today, the introduction is the new referral. You don’t have to be referred to carry additional influence or klout with a solid introduction. And for my bonus tip, go one more step. Provide a good introduction for those you ask to introduce you.

For example, if I ask someone to introduce me, I send them the following request,  ”I would like you to meet Melissa. Melissa is the author of thirteen books, four that have been on best-seller lists. Her greatest strength is helping thought leaders grow themselves and their organizations through social media and publishing. She and her firm, Networlding, have helped more than 100 top thought leaders grow their platforms through social media marketing, book publishing and, now, speaking.”

Now do the same for yourself. What can I say about you to get others interested in connecting with you? Write me an introduction and you are many steps ahead of the pack.

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