ACE Your Networking Strategy Online! It starts with an A--ASSOCIATE!
It’s an exciting time for expanding your network!
Without face to face opportunities, you can build your network and see this time as one of discovery of new relationships. Grab your coffee and head for your screen to meet a world of interesting people! In fact, you will find you can make more global connections in this time— a benefit of this new world of connection!
I use a strategy called ACE to become a Networking ACE. It stands for ASSOCIATE, CREATE and ENGAGE —Three powerful actions that you can quickly pattern into your days bring new meaningful connections. Check out my you tube videos and learn in 2 minutes how to start your networking push by focusing on relational behaviors around the activities of ASSOCIATING including identifying a FAST 15, a cohort of people you can practice your relational behavior with on your keyboard.
FAST 15
If you are new to networking or refreshing yours, Identify 15 people across areas that represent your reach. You can start with people who are friends, family, classmates, teammates who are low risk for contacting so you can practice. Networking takes practice as you learn your communication style online . You want to identify those who are online and can help you practice being relational using networking online. When you reach out, tell them you are building an official network and you want them to a part so you can offer them value as you become connected across the world.
Tips for the Fast 15:
1.Have a short invite that you send explaining why you want them to be in your Fast 15. “I choose you because…”
2. Offer to keep in touch in short ways, quick emails with valuable info for them.
3. After they agree, suggest you can do a short , 10 minute Informational Call where you describe your networking goal to them. It gives you practice for the times when you are taking more risks and meeting new people online who you may not know well.
Devote at least 20 minutes a day to developing your ASSOCIATING with your FAST 15. You can add another group of 15 after you feel you developed a comfort level. Assess which connections are feeling real and authentic, continue with those contacts as you add another group. You may circle back to others who aren’t connecting, but once you get in synch and on a call with someone, you can see how frequently you need to reach out in a digital way to keep them in your circle. It differs for every contact. AND—It’s a Two Way Street! Keep building and repeating and practicing. In my video you can learn about the power of one-word Networking. Keep leading with value. Associating is that collaborative street that your navigate by being generous.
BONUS TIP! When you get on a quick informational call, make certain to say your goal as a networker is to become good at connecting people. You want to be seen as a generous individual who will understand them so well that YOU truly give value by connecting others for mutual value. At the end of the call say that you have someone in mind to introduce them to who is a trusted part of your circle and who can give them value. If you don’t have anyone to offer, tell them you are glad you spoke briefly so that you can be on the lookout for good people to connect with THEM.