Are You Referral Ready?

Formally or informally, networking is a regular activity for most business people. From health clubs and Toastmasters groups to structured meetings like BNI, networking happens, impressions are made, and relationships are built and developed. Sooner or later it is smart to ask yourself, ‘Am I getting a return on my networking investment?’

If you are not getting a return on your relationship time, it doesn’t make sense to continue doing the same things and expecting a different result. You are either moving toward your goal, away from your goal, or not moving at all. An honest assessment of your current networking activity is where it starts.

Make a list of all your current networking activities. Which ones are NOT working for you? Why? Which ones work well for you, and how do you define that? Do you prefer more socially-oriented or business-oriented activities? Try to determine why some activities are more effective than others.

By determining and eliminating what is NOT working for you, you free up time for activities that 1) you don’t really have time for now, and 2) could offer greater rewards. With the understanding that you tend to get out what you put in, position yourself to succeed with activities that you look forward to and support the kind of business and person you want to be.