The most zany entry was “Networking Ahead: Kicking Butt and Taking Names – What Marketing Pros Don’t Tell You, But Should.” Great energy and chutzpah…but not the final one selected.

The winning entry was…

NETWORKING AHEAD for Business: The Best Vehicle to Get More Customers, Make More Friends and Create More Opportunities for Yourself and Others.

Special THANK YOU gift

As a thank you to all of you who participated, I’d like to give you a free sample chapter of the book and a special pre-order deal.

• Download sample chapter “Roadblocks: Things that Get in Your Way“
• Special discount and bonus for pre-ordering the book. Order your advanced copy of the book by 9/30/2010 and save $5, get free shipping and I’ll autograph it for you!
• Become a fan on Facebook

For news and updates on the book launch, join us on Facebook.

The book will be released on September 23, 2010 at the Business Women’s Forum in Hartford, Connecticut, where I’ll be speaking in the afternoon workshop session. Book signing available at the event.

Click to order an advanced copy of Networking Ahead for Business.

About the book

Networking Ahead for Business by Kathy McAfee is a book that will help you build your professional and personal success through networking relationships. With a fun-filled road/car theme, I share many of my proven techniques and innovative strategies for greater networking success in this book. Whether your goal is business development, landing a new job, growing your MLM business venture or raising money for your non-profit, you will find very useful ideas and strategies in this book.

Here’s a sampling of the content that you will enjoy in this book:

Chapter 2: Roadblocks: overcoming the things that get in your way of
effective networking including social reluctance, shortage of time,
disorganization, technophobia and techno-addiction. Download this chapter for free.

Chapter 7: Never drive a cold car. Warming up the cold call by asking
for networking introductions. The principle of Aim higher. Get warmer.

Chapter 11: Jump start. Strategies and tactics to re-engage your network
if you’ve let it go cold. (and why you’ll never let that happen again)

Chapter 12: My way or the highway. How to become more natural and fluid
in your networking by discovering and expressing your personal brand.

Chapter 13: Going the extra mile. Why showing up and following up are
the keys to your networking success.

Chapter 20: Roadside Assistance. ten reasons to belong to a strong
Chamber of Commerce and how to get more bang for your membership buck.

Chapter 26: Who is the better driver? Networking styles between men and
women and how we can learn from each other.

Chapter 28: Road grim and door dings. The importance of your
professional image and why visual impact will matter in your networking
success.

Chapter 26: Speed bumps: how to network around the barriers. Knowing
when to strategically slow it down.

Chapter 37: Why you should park next to the Lamborghini. Networking with
people of greater power and status than you.

Click to order an advanced copy of Networking Ahead for Business.

How else can I help you?

Professional Development Training for your team. Networking Ahead for Business is available in a professional skills training workshop series for organizations who want to accelerate their business growth and success.Ideal for CPA firms, law firms, financial services organizations or any company who needs its people to be more skilled, confident and success in building mutually-beneficial relationships for business growth. Email Kathy McAfee at kathy@marketingmotivator.net to discuss your specific needs and interests.

Keynote Speaking and Breakout Sessions. Professional Speaker and author Kathy McAfee is available to do keynotes, seminars and workshops for your next conference, meeting or convention. Check out Kathy’s official speaker web site for video samples and more information.

No time to read, but lots of travel time? The condensed audiobook  version of Networking Ahead for Business is coming soon!!!

The book is due out in September. If you want to reserve a copy of the book now, email me at Kathy@MarketingMotivator.net

The truth be told, I’ve been thinking about and talking about writing a book for several years now (you too?). I finally pulled it out of my head and on to paper.

Are you curious as to how I got it done?

How I actually got my manuscript completed: A story of collaboration, encouragement, accountability and daily discipline.

1. Collaboration. I created a collaborative partnership with Eitan and Stacey Battat of Kiwi Publishing. We have been meeting face to face for two hours every two weeks for the past six months, helping each other on our projects. I’ve been providing marketing consultation on their cool new project Thin Threads. Check it out. They have been consulting with me on my book.
2. Encouragement. I shared my goal and enlisted the support of others who care about me and my success. This milestone would not have been achievable without the help and push from close family and business associates. I am grateful for my husband Byron, my mastermind friends, Rahna, D’vorah, Marge and Tonya, and my publishers Eitan and Stacey Battat of Kiwi Publishing.
3. Accountability. About 3 months into the project, I found myself in an acute state of writer’s procrastination. With the deadline looming, I reached out to my publisher and friend, Eitan Battat and humbly asked for his help. I begged him to hold me accountable for writing this darn thing. He asked me if I preferred the carrot or the stick. (here’s a good related article I wrote last year: http://marketingmotivator.net/motivating-yourself-in-challenging-times/) While I loved the idea of rewards, I knew that a penalty would be far more motivating for me. He then asked me to take out my credit card and hand it over to him. We agreed that if I did not submit 5 chapters every Monday at noon, he would charge my credit card $55. Then he and Stacey would go out to their favorite restaurant and enjoy lunch together…at my expense. If I made ALL of my weekly deadlines (9 in total), he and Stacey would take me and my husband Byron out to dinner at our favorite restaurant. We shook hands and now my money was where my mouth was. This was a powerful incentive. As a result, I made ALL nine deadlines. Which leads me to the daily discipline…
4. Daily Discipline. In order to write 5 chapters a week, I made a plan to complete one chapter per day Monday through Friday, with some extra time on the weekends to finish up. I set my alarm clock for 5:30am and got up and commenced writing at 6am everyday – including Saturdays and Sundays. Some weeks, I was done by Friday. Other weeks were harder and I was burdened with writing all five chapters in one day – Sunday (hardly the day of rest!). That was not my best writing. It was torture. A little bit each day was far more enjoyable and resulted in fresher thinking and better writing. The benefits of daily discipline.

“A year from now you may wish that you started today.”

This motivating quote from Karen Lamb is so true. Time passes quickly and we have dreams, hopes and goals that we all want to accomplish. But there is just too much talking and not enough action. Get motivated and start taking action on your dreams. Find the people in your network who will collaborate with you, encourage you, hold you accountable. The daily discipline part is up to you.

I look forward to reading YOUR book!

Between Friends: 5 Networking No-Nos

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs

The rise of social networking has broken down barriers between our personal and our professional lives, and many people are benefiting. But when you turn to one of your buddies for a professional assist with a career opportunity, beware of these networking-with-friends mistakes.

1.Starting with the ask. Even if you’re desperate, don’t begin your conversations with a cry for help. Networking and career expert Liz Ryan explains, “A common networking-with-friends mistake is to start networking from the perspective of ‘Here’s what you could do for me,’ rather than a place of ‘I want to hear about what’s new with you!’” Friendship is a two-way street. Once your friend feels heard and senses your interest and compassion, she is likely to offer to help you … because of the friendship ‘glue’ you’ve established.”

2. Expecting everyone to know your business. Your professional activities and accomplishments are very important–to you. No matter how exciting or upsetting your job or job search is, most of your friends won’t recall all the details. Ryan observes, “Many people will say, ‘Here’s the latest thing I’m up to,’ forgetting that our friends can’t possibly remember everything we told them the last time we saw them.” It’s your job to briefly recap where you’re at, thus putting your current news into perspective. For example, she says, “Remind your friend, ‘I’m not sure you remember that I’ve been doing home-and-office organizing these days, and just this week….’”

3. Cannibalizing friends’ online connections. Are you drooling over the fact that a friend is “Linked In” to a high-level Apple exec? You can tell your friend about your desire to work for Apple, but don’t ask for an introduction right away. Instead, Ryan recommends that you fill your friend in on your needs or goals, and then wait for him to offer to forward your resume, for instance. You can politely say at that point, “That would be wonderful, and would you by chance also be comfortable introducing me to [the exec]?” If the friend balks at your request, respect his feelings and don’t raise the issue again.

4. Asking for a recommendation without reason. Your friends may be able to speak to a lot of your best qualities and provide character references. But unless you’ve worked with them in a professional capacity, avoid asking for a professional recommendation. “It’s jarring to get a request for a LinkedIn endorsement from someone we know only as a friend and not in professional life,” Ryan says. Don’t impose by requesting what would surely be a weak endorsement from someone who isn’t really acquainted with your work. According to Ryan, this will jeopardize his or her credibility–and possibly your friendship. If someone asks you for an unwarranted endorsement, she suggests simply saying, “I wish I knew your work well enough to recommend you”–and then moving on.

5. Being a friend in need, not in deed. Everyone lets some connections slip away over time, but don’t reconnect if you’re obviously only seeking a favor. Ryan explains, “My friend Melissa got a call from an old workmate of hers from 20 years ago. ‘It’s been ages, and I’d love to hear what’s new,’ he said. Melissa and the long-ago colleague met for lunch; the two of them hadn’t even placed their drink orders when he said, ‘So, can you get me a job at your employer?’” Check, please! “If you haven’t seen someone in a long time, it’s highly inappropriate to invite them to lunch only to hit them up for job leads. Networking is an activity that needs to be focused on the other person, not on your needs,” Ryan states.

To read the full article by Caroline M.L. Potter, click here or you can Follow Caroline on Twitter - she’s a hot doghnut

• Have you ever felt awkward or uncomfortable networking or following-up with people you’ve recently met?
• Would you like the tools, strategies and motivation to do it with confidence and gusto?
• How can you create more fun, fulfillment and freedom in your life by better leveraging your personal and professional networking?

Now more than ever your best investment is in building your professional network.  Listen to this stimulating conversation about how you can create a robust professional and personal network that works for you.

Kathy describes that the real purpose of Networking is Relationship Building – a purposeful exercise to build mutually beneficial relationships.  That’s an interesting perspective given all the 1-way “transactional” conversations you might hear when you go to a networking event.  Or, think of all the requests on Twitter or Facebook to click here to buy now – without the relationship first.  (This is one of the biggest mistakes people make.)

Kathy gives you a new perspective on networking and shows you how it can help you realize more fun, freedom and fulfillment in your career, business and life.

Kathy lays out the basics of networking for us, and points out that many of us are happy to help others but few have the courage to ask for help.

Here are two exercises to consider doing now that will help you determine the power of your network.

1)    How many people do you know? List them all out – break this up by category if it helps you, such as work, family, college, neighbors, etc.  (Note: this is not the number of friends on Facebook or Twitter, but real people you know by name.)  Did you come up with more than 250?  If yes, you’re doing pretty well.

• Get started by downloading  this worksheet My World_networking master list

2)    Who are your top 50 people – the influential people in your network who are motivated to help you out?

Catch the details of this interview and discover how easy it is to become a powerful networker!

I had the opportunity to attend two special events facilitated by classmate Andy Chan. Andy had run career services for Stanford Business School for several years until he was recently whisked away by Wake Forest University to build an exciting new platform of integrating personal and professional development into the college experience.

1. Career and Life Visioning workshop
2. Career Networking event

While attending Andy’s group networking event, I made several terrific new contacts that I am keen to develop into potential relationships. I also gained a few new insights from Andy about networking, what it is and what it isn’t and how to do it even better. I felt compelled to share what I learned from Andy with all of you.

Here are some pearls of wisdom about networking from Andy Chan:

1. networking is about building relationships one person at a time;
2. it’s takes a curious mind – ask a lot of questions about the other person, listen carefully and have a “helping heart.” Look for ways in which you can help each other;
3. gather information while you network with other people;
4. networking is like gardening – it takes time for beautiful things to grow;
5. be strategically thoughtful about introducing yourself and deciding in advance who you want to connect with.

Networking Insights for Job-Seekers

Andy also introduced the EPA method of networking when you are looking for a job.  Rather than the difficult task of calling people to tell them you are out of work and looking for a job, Andy suggested that you ask your networking contacts for:

1. E = Experience. “What your experience, what do you think would be required to do a job like that?”
2. P = Perspective. “From your perspective, what is the most important attributes to bring to the table?”
3. A = Advice. “What advice would you have for me in this situation?”

Andy also suggests that job-seekers ask very straight-forward questions, such as “Be honest with me, do you think I have a shot at this job opportunity?” If they answer no, then ask “What experiences, knowledge or other skills do you think I need to acquire to be a serious candidate for such a position?”

If Andy is correct and networking is like gardening, then why do so many people approach it like shopping for take-out food at the grocery store or drive through fast food. They next time you feel hungry for new connections, remember the gardening metaphor. It’s time to till the soil, plant the seeds and nurture your relationships over time. Then and only then will you reap the true rewards of an influential professional network.

For more tips on networking, please visit our resource page.

It got me thinking….

Do men and women network differently?

Of course we do. We think differently; we communicate differently; and we relate differently. Even our brains  work differently. (see John Medina’s book Brain Rules – chapter on gender differences).

Occasionally during my workshops on networking skill development, a man will ask me if my networking methods and techniques are more effective with women.

It has been my observation that women tend to build relationships through conversation, while men tend to build relationships through activity. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that golf remains one of the most compelling “venues” for men to network and build business relationships.

Spending quality time with people of influence

There is power in the game of golf, notably the opportunity to spend quality time with people of influence. It is the quintessential business networking activity, at least for the baby boomer generation. The jury is out on how Gen Y will network. Can you golf and IM at the same time?

Men have been leveraging the golfing “venue” for networking and relationship building forever, it seems. Women are catching on to this opportunity. More and more women are starting to take lessons and are getting more comfortable playing golf and conducting business on the golf course. I suppose it’s a new spin on equal opportunity – equal play for equal day’s work.

Time crunch

Yet for many professional women, the idea of taking 4 hours out of the work day to spend leisure time with other business people is simply out of the question, even if their male colleagues do it as a regular course of business. Are women too responsible or too short sighted to see what we are missing out on? Perhaps women need to look at this situation through a different lens.

We might therefore consider the idea that business doesn’t always have to be conducted in an office or traditional  “place of business.” Building and sustaining your professional relationships through sport and other enjoyable activities just might create the networking magic you need to accelerate your career and business growth.

What if you don’t like playing golf?

Well, there’s always food – you can gather together to network over lunch, dinner and/or morning coffee.  You could go for a walk together and get some fresh air (but try not to get too winded as that looks bad for business health).

Let’s get together for a manicure

What other venues are available to you to conduct networking and relationship development? Try this one on. How about meeting for a manicure and conversation? Could you actually rationalize that in your own business mind? How about the guys?

I have a client who works for a CPA firm. She had attempted once to get a client entertainment expense pre-approved by her (male) partners for an outing to a day spa with her best client. The partners balked at the idea and declined her request. One hour later, they were headed for the golf course to conduct business with their best client. Hmmm.

What’s the difference?

Manicure with clients versus a round of golf with clients? Time spent in leisure that creates an opportunity to discuss business in a more open, relaxed environment. Nails vs. clubs.  The venue and activity may be different, but the goal is the same:  strengthen the business relationship.

Whatever floats your boat

My networking friend Jane Goldsmith shared her thoughts on the question of golf vs. manicure. She said it was a matter of appreciation and motivation. “Whatever floats your boat. If they like it, do it together.” In my opinion, Jane is a master connector and relationship builder extraordinaire. Over the years, she has spent time with clients and networking contacts in all sorts of venues and activities including in the salon, on the golf course, at the restaurant, and going for walks.

Have some fun in your networking

Do men and women network differently? Thank goodness we do. We have much to learn from each other if we open our minds and appreciate our differences. Your professional network should include both men and women and people from all walks of life. Consider it a balanced portfolio. Make it a priority to build and sustain these mutually beneficial relationships before you need them. And why not have a little fun along the way?

Your thoughts on the matter?

Talking to strangers is good for you, your business and your career!

One of my favorite books on networking is from Keith Ferrazzi. It’s called Never Eat Alone and other secrets to success one relationships at a time.

It made me think more deeply about building a more powerful network by fully leveraging my present network, re-activating my past network, and yes, talking to strangers.

It’s worked for me. If this is something that you need to do as well, click through for some practical networking tips to help you get started right now.

…about networking at least. Your mother’s intention in telling you not to talk to strangers was to protect from bad people and bad things happening.

The intention of this article is to show how networking (even with strangers) can bring good people into your life and create good things for you and your business.

Why talk to strangers? Your future success will depend on more than just what you know; it will rely on who you know.

Your sphere of influence can grow exponentially as you leverage your past, present and future network. So talking to strangers is one way to grow your future network.

Why network? Networking is an essential part of …business development. It is a related, but slightly different activity than sales and marketing.

Networking is one of the most viral and organic things you can do to grow your business. It takes relationship marketing and key account management strategies and puts them on steroids.

Who to networking with? This brings us to the question of who you should be or could be networking with. Part of me wants to tell you “anybody and everybody.” That’s one way to get things going, but eventually you need to get more targeted, purposeful and strategic in who you connect with.
While you’re at it, shoot for the stars!

Your network is composed of three concentric spheres: Your active, lost and future network. You could also think of it as your present, past and future network.

• Your Active Network. These are people that you are in close, regular contact with. Keep this up. Maintain and nurture these relationships in as many ways as possible. These people will be the ones most willing to connect you to others, because they know, like and trust you.
• Your Lost Network These are people you used to work with, go to school with, and live next door to. At one time, they were in your active network and you had a relationship, but you drifted apart and have lost touch.
• Your Future Network. These are the people who you desire to meet. Sometimes they will be strangers that you add to your network out of sheer luck or serendipity. But generally, you need to always be asking your active and lost network for these introductions.

Simple and effective way to build your future network.

1. Ask for new connections. Discipline yourself to ask the question at every networking meeting “Who in your professional network do you think would make a good connection for me?” Then ask, “Would you be willing to give me a ‘warm introduction’ to that person?”
2. Act on those warm introductions. Call and introduce yourself. Use the name of the person who suggested that you two connect. Be bold. Reach out. Make a connection. Get to know a stranger. Help them if you can, by leveraging your network, knowledge and ideas. Help to facilitate other
   warm introductions. This may be the most valuable services you can provide to
   your new contact.
3. Follow-up and action what you have promised. You must prioritize this activity because it will reinforce and build your credibility. It also enhances the relationship and keeps the networking momentum going.

In summary: Talking to strangers and once you get to know them, adding them to your network can be very fruitful professionally and personally. It does take courage and a little verve to “put yourself out there” and “ask for what you need”, but once you get into the hang of it, it becomes natural, fun, and highly rewarding. Go on, give it try, and get connected

About the writer. Kathy McAfee is America’s Marketing Motivator, an executive presentation coach and professional speaker who holds a master practitioner certification in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). She works with motivated business leaders to help them become the recognized leaders in their field by mastering the art of high engagement presentations and more effective networking.

You should have been there. Over 800 professional and business women gathering at the Business Women’s Forum in Hartford, CT. ABC News’ Good Morning America anchor, Robin Roberts shared her ideas and experiences, her philosophy and delightful sense of humor to help us all bounce back from these challenging economic times. Ms. Roberts inspired us with her advice to “put yourself in position for good things to happen to you.” She believes that “proximity is power” and that you need to “dream big and focus small.” This is the attitude and actions that have helped her build a stellar college basketball record, a successful career in sports journalism with ESPN and her current success as a national anchor on Good Morning America.

She advised us to remember our own steps to success and to find a way to “make your mess your message.” A survivor of breast cancer, Ms. Roberts reminded us that difficult times are only chapters of our life, they are not our life story. “Allow your experiences to change you” but not define you.

Another wonderful treat during the BWF event was the morning speaker, Victoria LaBalme. Her entertaining wake-up call to get off the conveyer belt of life was delivered with such humor and resonating insight that it will be remembered for many years to come. She reminds us that “busy does not equal important” and that we must strive to Look – Listen- Love in new ways in order to get the most out of our lives.

I especially enjoyed Victoria’s thoughts on establishing your “through-line” (a concept from acting/performing) that is, the WHY or the vision of what you want to accomplish. Know your “through-line” and all other things fall into place, she suggested. I believe that this concept has application to how you develop and deliver your presentations (always give your audience the why before the what) and how you can more effectively manage other people in your business and in our personal life.

Victoria shared her video that she produced in 2000 dancing through the streets of New York City. Check out her Park Avenue Shuffle and watch how people react (or try hard not to) as they go about their busy lives. Wouldn’t you love to try something this bold and daring in your life…just once?

The unexpected inspiration came from Lynn Ward, President and CEO of the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce in CT. Lynn and her committee put on the event. Instead of the usual “thank you for coming – thank you sponsors” speech, Lynn moved the audience with a compelling story of her life and career path. A single parent and mother of a special needs child, Lynn has worked her way through the ranks of leadership while balancing the needs and demands of raising a family and caring for others. She advised us to “be true to oneself” and that this was the true road to success. Finally, she reminded us of the importance of “saying what you mean and meaning what you say.”

My contribution of the BWF was two-fold:

1. A morning workshop entitled “Motivated Networking Follow-Up” where we had over 100 women learning how to get more from their networking investment of time, money and effort by creating and committing to systematic follow-up.
2. Leading a short exercise on Facilitated Introductions during the afternoon reception. I was competing for attention with the forces of wine and hors devours, women and conversation. You can guess who won. (Read about my coulda-woulda-shoulda afterthoughts)

I noticed many women who attended the BWF (especially the women employed by corporations) tended to sit together and stay together. They were less inclined to open up and talk to strangers and therefore, limited their networking opportunities. Why is this? I think it is fear-based. Ultimately it is short-sighted.

Corporate employees need to learn how to network and push themselves out of their comfort zones to expand their professional networks. All of us – whether self-employed, working for a company, or currently “in transition”- need to have strong, growing professional networks. We need them now, before we really need them. (hint hint – before you get laid off).

As author Diane Darling reminds us “Networking is the art of building and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships.” I’d like to bolt on a phrase at the end of this sentence and that is “…before you need them.”

So the next time you attend a large conference, networking meeting or other event where people gather, consider “dividing and conquering.” Don’t sit with your colleagues. Don’t hang out with the people that you already know really well. Stretch yourself, expand your horizons, and grow your network. Start talking with strangers. And don’t forget to exchange business cards so that you can follow-up with them!!!

See you at the 2010 Business Women’s Forum in Hartford, CT!!!

Kathy McAfee - America’s Marketing Motivator

Why the reference to “big dogs?” No, it’s not a pet show, nor a disparaging remark about unattractive people. Rather, it is an inspiration from my networking friend, Janice who mentioned to me that she needs to kick up her networking efforts and start “hanging out with the big dogs.” Those were her words…and I loved them. I immediately told her that she MUST attend next week’s Business Women’s Forum because it attracts over a thousand high caliber business and professional women – the kind of women that could help accelerate her business and achieve her ambitions.

If you want or need to “hang out with the big dogs” or know women that need to step up their networking game, then please help me get the word out about next Tuesday’s BWF conference. It is the place to be to create powerful new opportunities for your career, your business and maybe even your life! Spread the word…and SHOW UP! There’s still time to Register for the conference!

Join me at my morning workshop at the BWF entitled: Motivated Follow-Up: The Secret Sauce to Your Networking Success

10:30am – 12:00noon (Session F)

Presenter: Kathy McAfee, America’s Marketing Motivator

Networking is more than just meeting new people; it’s about creating lasting value through your relationships. To fully leverage the potential of your professional network, you must become proficient and diligent in your follow-up. Kathy McAfee will show you how you can increase your visibility and value to the people in your network through simple follow-up strategies, leveraging both off-line and on-line resources. Here are five things you’ll learn by attending this seminar:

1. How to create a systematic approach to your networking follow-up so that you can consistently act on your intentions;
2. How to add value to the people in your network with your follow-up;
3. How to be authentic, personal and helpful with your networking follow-up;
4. What on-line services are available to help you with more consistent follow-up;
5. Other great tips to help you accelerate your future through networking.

Read more about this seminar and its sister talk “Perfect Your Pitch” on my new web site: www.MotivatedSpeaker.com

Check out L. Kay Wilson who is also speaking at the BWF in the afternoon. Her workshop topic is How to Manage Your Boss. Now who doesn’t need to know more about that? Check out the full range of choices you have for workshops at this year’s BWF.

See you at the BWF!

Kathy McAfee – a “big dog”

Follow The Yellow Brick Road To Your Networking Success.

How many times have you gone to an networking event where they give you a reusable bag to collect all of your paper, business cards, etc? Do you fill the bag up only to have majority of the stuff get lost? Most importantly do you meet someone that could potentially help you now or in the future?

How do you develop this person into one of your top 50 networking contacts? There are four phases of constructing this path toward networking success.

1. Phase I- Bricks
2. Phase II- Cement
3. Phase III- Yellow Paint
4. Phase IV- Glossy Finish
   

You must understand that this process is one that takes time and patience. You can’t simply walk up to someone, shake their hand and say, “Hey, you should be in my top 50 contacts!” Trust and knowledge of the other person and their business must be put into place before that can happen.

Phase I- Bricks

1. Destiny- Everyone knows people. It may be through referral or reputation or maybe you knew this person in that past and you want to reconnect. It may even be serendipity, lucky you!
2. Acquaintance- You have officially met this person by way of one of the above described methods. It is very important to suspend from pursuing transactions with this person.
3. Rapport- It is at this point that you start to like the person you are speaking with and maybe even found common ground between the two of you. Make sure you have your ears open and really listen to what they are saying, you never know what might be relevant.
4. Knowledge- Finally, you learn something about their work and what they do. At this point you can develop a connection whether through facebook, linkedin, or e-mail. Continue to ask questions and develop further conversation in order to discover where you overlap.

Phase II- Cement

1. Assistance- Help is a two way road. You may offer each other advice or a perspective or you may have a mutual connection or resource. Whatever you have offer it to them and hope that they will have something for you in return (reference, referral, etc.).
2. Trust I- Similarly, trust flows in both directions. You have shared something with your contact, now the trick is keeping in touch at least once every 5 weeks.
3. Support- Help continues between the two parties. The problems, advice or suggestions may even become more complex.
4. Appreciation- This is something that happens on an individual basis. You begin to feel the positive effects of your networking and think about them more often.

Phase III- Yellow Paint

1. Mentoring- You begin to see how the level of help grows and develops. We recommend receiving some sort of feedback from your contact at this point to ensure that the relationship prospers even further.
2. Trust II- You have solidified trust between the two parties. You now hold this person in the highest regard.
3. Partnership- Congradulations! They are officially in your top 50 contacts. You have become important to each other in a professional manner.

Phase IV- Glossy Finish

1. Friendship- If you are lucky enough to make it into phase four, then you have developed friendship that may last you for a lifetime.

Take A Walk…

The yellow brick road of follow-up is officially complete! The number of phases and steps involved show how important a process it is. We encourage you to build your own road (bricks, cement, paint, and even a glossy finish) and become a networking wizard!