Nurturing Your Network

So, you’ve gotten over your “fear of flubbing” and added some wonderful people to your network. Now what? Well, we’ve already determined that networks only work when there is reciprocity… and reciprocity means you have to Nurture Your Network™.

Here are some examples of how I’ve been nurturing mine the last few days:

• Sent Vicki a PR opportunity that’s right up her alley. The reporter was looking for an expert on buying and selling businesses.
• Sent Sandra an article by Andrea Jung on how she “fired and rehired herself”. Sandra had told me of the fresh eyes she’s bringing to her executive position and the article was a perfect complement.
• Promoted a Misti’s book in my newsletter.
• Arranged to meet Karen for lunch. We’ve never met, but she will be attending our Women on Boards™ program in 2010 and we discovered we have several things in common.
• Sent Juana a PR opportunity that could get her translation business exposure outside this region. Juana is an amazing entrepreneur.
• Created a speaking opportunity for Jane who is an amazing, strategic leader.

Here’s the secret beneath all these examples. You have to get to know people in your network – what their goals are, what they’re good at, what they enjoy – in order to nurture the relationships. That doesn’t mean that you have to be “bosom buddies” and stay in touch on a constant basis. I email Vicki a couple of times a quarter, see Sandra every month, haven’t seen Misti in over 2 years and haven’t been in touch with Juana for a year. But because I know what they’re up to and interested in, I’m able to spot resources and opportunities and forward them on. Of course, those are just a few examples of ways to nurture your network.

Others include:

• Thank you notes.
• Coffee, tea, wine, meal get-togethers.
• Invitations to accompany you to events of interest.
• Expressions of congratulations or celebration.
• Introductions to people of shared (or complementary) interests or goals.

What are the ways that you nurture your network? I’d love to know.

And if you’re wondering about the reciprocity. Vicki has introduced me to a potential strategic alliance partner, Sandra and Jane have been clients for years, Juana has spoken at one of our Lessons in Leadership™ breakfasts, Karen is attending our 2010 Women on Boards™ program, and Misti will be able to help promote my book when it is published and…

Network ON!
By Susan Colantuono