Networking… an important aspect of every successful professional’s career but especially important now. The act of networking has changed with the introduction of the many online networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and even Seth Godin’s invitation-only Triiibes network are great tools for staying in touch with new and old colleagues. But not everyone is using these tools and let’s face it you don’t want everyone having access to your profile. These tools have really enhanced the ways in which we stay in touch with our networks but relying on these tools to manage your contacts is just not enough. As I write this, there is a reporter on TV talking about a recent increase in identity theft on Facebook. If your profiles are compromised, what happens to those contacts? Perhaps it is a good reminder to keep your contacts in a database that you control.
Once you return from your networking event, make it a point to put those new contacts into action before you forget the conversations or lose the cards all together. Here are a few tips for getting those business contacts organized.
1. Immediately scan or enter your business cards into Excel or other spreadsheet/database (TrackVia users can easily import this data into an online database via an Excel import)
2. Enter information on the date you met the contact and interesting points from your discussion
3. Set a date to remind yourself to stay in touch, add value or share information
4. Include location information – when you travel, sort your database and schedule stops during your trip
5. Send a newsletter or email to your database letting people know what you are up to
6. List social network profiles when applicable
7. Back it up! (If it is in a TrackVia database, your contacts will be automatically backed up.
And if you need to refresh your networking skills, here are a few links to networking tips:
1. Tips for networking in Silicon Valley on GigaOm
2. Entrepreneur shares some insights from book, Smart Networking (see value section)
Once you have your contacts organized, go test your networking attraction factor.
