After getting out there and networking for a while many networkers will begin to get complacent and will spend the majority of their time with other networkers they’ve already built relationships with. They should be spending at least half of their time making new connections and growing their networks.

 

I’m a big believer in reconnecting at networking events, but don’t forget to meet new people. In fact use your existing contacts to help you make new connections at a networking event.

 

It’s also important to get out of your comfort zone every now and then and really make things happen. That might just be working your way into a group of folks that are already talking, or it might not even be at a networking event.

 

Something that I like to do every now and then is to call someone that I’m intimidated by and ask them to have coffee or lunch with me. I’m almost never turned down, and most of the time I find that reaching out and making that connection is extremely valuable. Plus, the more often you do it the easier it gets.

 

Try it right now. You probably already have someone in mind. Pick up the phone and simply ask if they’d be willing to sit down and have a cup of coffee with you. The hardest part is picking up the phone. I promise your fear is totally irrational. 9 times out of 10, especially here in Austin, the person on the other end will be glad you took the time to make the connection.

 

Happy networking!

 

Scott Ingram