We're in part 4 of our series on business planning.
Women of color in business are natural networkers: we seek each other out and try and establish as many ties, referrals, partnerships, and mutual support systems as possible, because there aren't that many of us out there!
One of my biggest items that I tell *all* the young women I mentor is the importance of developing, building, and cultivating your network.
What is your network? Why is it important? I've written some Practical Tips for Expanding your Social Network before, and I will continue to remind you: your network determines (almost) EVERYTHING.
Who do you know?
If you're already organized with your network, you have a rolodex or database of all the contacts you've made, in what context, and you probably monitor birthdays, anniversaries, and other important occassions.
If you are just starting out with building your network, I would recommend you start out using those basics, including contact information and how you met. There are some online tools to help you organize, or just maintain your own list and perpetual calendar.
You may constantly "ping" other people through your network, checking in for birthdays or important occassions. Call somebody in your network every day: then you'll keep your connections fresh. Clip articles or jot down ideas for people who might be interested, and even better: invite people in different parts of your network together so everyone can expand their level of acquaintance with each other.
Who do you know? Who do you know? Who do you know?Almost everyone you know will be able to help you, so the more people you know, the more people you can call upon to help you.
You already know a fair number of people, and I promise you you'll be pleasantly surprised when you make a list of about 100 people that you know.
For starters, people you know include:1) your immediate family
2) your extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents)
3) your elementary school friends
4) your middle school friends
5) your high school friends
6) your college friends
7) your graduate school friends
8) people that you connected with in your first job
9) people that you are connected with in your current employment
10) people in your alumni group
11) people in your community service group
12) people in your political group
13) your neighbors
14) people you do business with: your babysitter, doctor, dentist, massage therapist, counselor, financial advisor, realtor, attorney, mechanic, handyman, gardener
15) people you meet in your professional association
Don't have any of the above? Find a group and start to expand your network!
Now, to start to increase your success and contacts by "pushing" your boundaries and meeting some new people to expand your network. Visit a group that you've never visited before. Or attend an event that's slightly outside your standard: you'll meet some new people.
You'll be amazed at how many different circles you move in and will have the ability to move in. Always be on the lookout for new opportunities to expand your network.
RESOURCES:
Linkedin.com
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
A book by "one of the world's most connected individuals."
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