“Your network determines your net-worth.”
How many times have you heard that saying?
Well, it’s true, and in these economic times, professionals can’t afford to lack access to a growing network. A strong professional network is vital to the growth of businesses or career advancement. For some, the art of networking is easy. For others, the mere thought brings on anxiety.
Here’s a challenge: Step outside of your comfort zone and realize that your attitude really does determine your altitude. In the next seven days, at BlackEnterprise.com, we offer seven steps to doing so — weather you’re an introvert or extrovert — so you’ll attract the right people and start building long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships. Building a community of people who support you does takes time, but there are strategic ways you can get started expanding your professional network today!
BOSS MOVE, DAY ONE: Develop a networking database.
In today’s market, success lies in learning how to maximize your return on investment. Whether you’re attending a local networking event or an expensive business conference, managing your network is critical. Keeping track of all your contacts is the start to building a strong network. Contrary to popular belief, having a file full of business cards is not networking. Take the time to survey your database of contacts to make sure you know who each contact is and what prompted you to take their business card in the first place.
ACTION: Create a spreadsheet with all of the pertinent information from your business cards or e-mail contacts (such as their name, business, place of work, title, contact number and e-mail address). Make sure you include key information in your notes section that shows the connection between you and the contact (ie. The school they attended, where you met them, their favorite book, etc.)
For more information on how to maximize use of spreadsheets, visit MicrosoftOffice.com.
BOSS MOVE, DAY TWO: Cultivate Your Current Relationships
Cameka Smith is a speaker, educator, social entrepreneur and founder of The BOSS Network, a community of career and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online and via event-based networking. In addition, Smith provides resources for women entrepreneurs and professionals through workshops and speaking engagements. She is also a mentor and program facilitator for Project BOSS, which matches professionals with youth.
Wonderful post from an amazing lady. Nice job Cameka!
she si praim ama nestava. Kontrol i tva e. Ama v bilgaruq to se znae che zakonite sa za bednqcite a tiq gore ili s parite nikoi nemoje da gi lovi. Taka che ako shtat da mi shpionirat kosmatiq zadnik. Spored men sichko she se opravi ako SPAZVAME ZAKONA!!! ura
“For some, the art of networking is easy. For others, the mere thought brings on anxiety.”
As a writer, I fall into the latter category. I know I need to network more, because I believe in my product and I have to spread the word, but I’m never sure how much is too much. Baby steps. Thanks for the reminder to manage my network and to step outside my comfort zone.
Hi Sara, thanks so much for the support. Nicole I think many of us have the same problems when it comes to networking, but I believe once you decide it is a part of your business plan you have to step out there. I commend you for taking the first step..Tune in all week.
Love it, love it, love it. Very excited you and can’t wait to read your next article. Congrats!
Such a good article, and great reminder! Organization is key.
This is right on time! Traditional networking is such a chore! I’m definitely looking forward to learning some tips and tricks to make it a little easier. BOSS Move #1 is a great idea!
This is a great article; I know that networking is essential for the success
of my business. I will be tuning in all week for the rest of the tips. Good stuff!
Great article! I’ll be using these tips daily! Thanks Cameka!
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This is a great article. I can truly say that Networking has cultivated me and allowed me to step out of my comfort zone.
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Great article Cameka…thanks for sharing!
~ Roshonda
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Excellent article series! I can’t wait to read the rest of them. A tip for action item #1, Microsoft Outlook (last few versions) has a great add-in called Business Contact Manager. It allows you to plot out networking strategies (who, when, why, last, groups) while tapping your outlook contact db. Check it out.
Nice work!
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