Creating Your Current and Future Powerful Connections List
Last week I had you ask yourself, How many powerful business relationships do I have?
If you haven’t already considered this question, I encourage you to consider it now. Creating a clear list of the people you need to connect with will give you a clear path as to where you should focus your time and energy. This is the critical foundation to the relationships you are beginning to establish and grow.
Create your current and future Powerful Connections list. Set a goal to increase your list of important business connections from five to 100-plus. Once you’ve compiled your list of current and future Powerful Connections, reach out to each of them. You might be thinking, That seems easier said than done. Well, here’s how! First, pinpoint people you already know (even if only slightly) who might become important business contacts. Then, consider what other relationships you’ll need in order to build a successful business. Ask yourself: With whom do I need to be able to connect in order to create loyal clients, find the best vendors, and when necessary, hire the best employees? Next, consider the best ways to reach out to those you’ve included on your Powerful Connections list.
Seek out people you know who may be able to introduce you to people on your list. Write a note or letter, and follow up with a call complimenting something your “Powerful Connection” has recently written or said. Or find a connection point based on something you have in common. Then reach out regularly through phone and email, or try a social networking avenue like asking to connect through LinkedIn. Using social media outlets such as LinkedIn and Twitter, or even a blog can be a great way to informally introduce yourself to someone. Through direct messages, retweets, comments, etc, you can let someone know that you value them and what they have to say. These outlets also allow you to learn more about your Powerful Connections. Being able to show them that you know something about them is a great way to make a connection.
Next Tuesday I’ll share with you a great way to connect with those on your Powerful Connections list by Becoming the Media.
Maribeth Kuzmeski
Maribeth Kuzmeski, MBA is the founder of Red Zone Marketing, LLC, which consults to Fortune 500 firms on strategic marketing planning and business growth. She is the author of 4 books, has frequently appeared on TV and radio, and has written articles on marketing strategies for hundreds of publications including Business Week and Entrepreneur. She regularly speaks to audiences on topics relating to business development, marketing, and sales strategies. Maribeth is author of The Connectors: How the World’s Most Successful Businesspeople Build Relationships and Win Clients for Life (Wiley, September 2009).
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