A part of Brad Closson's presentation at our NetStorming event last week really got me thinking. He recommended that people strive to have 2 substantive 1:1 meetings to really get to know someone. This is truly brilliant advice.

From what I've seen a lot of so called networking is very superficial high level stuff. A one time encounter at a happy hour does not constitute a relationship. So the good networker will work to start a real relationship with a one to one meeting over coffee or lunch. This is really good stuff. Unfortunately all too often this is the end of the relationship building process.

1:1 meetings are great and extremely important, but if there's only ever 1 meeting that's not particularly meaningful (although a whole heck of a lot better than never having spent that time to get to know each other). Brad's concept takes this to a much deeper level.

I've written quite a bit about the importance of quality over quantity, and in order to really implement this strategy you're going to have to be somewhat selective. So simply in the interest of time I wouldn't recommend that you have two face to face meetings with everyone you meet. In many ways it's not too different from dating. You'll probably know after that first date whether or not you're interested in seeing that person again. Sure some might argue that you won't really know if there's a fit with that person or not until the second interaction. For some that may be true, but I think that most of us have a pretty good sense of whether or not we felt a connection with someone after a first meeting. You can pick and choose who you want to have a follow-up meeting with based on your own criteria.

After these second meetings you'll really be starting to build deep relationships. In fact you'll likely find that many of these people will become friends. It's only natural that when you enjoy spending time with someone that you become closer and will likely want to spend even more time with each other. This is exactly what makes networking so enjoyable. It's the deep bonds that are created and build into a truly supportive network. Not nearly as much with those peripheral occasional encounter type relationships.

Consider how this fits into your own networking strategy. In many cases you may not really need to go out and meet more people. You've probably already met them, and know who you like spending time with the most. Reach out to one of those folks and schedule a second or third meeting.

Working on deep relationships is often far more productive and rewarding than starting a bunch of new ones.

Happy Networking!