Relationships that matter.
WHAT A NETWORK ACTUALLY IS
People who know what you do and would speak well of you.
WHAT IT IS NOT
A collection of contacts you never speak to.
HOW IT FORMS
Doing good work with people Being helpful without immediate return Staying in contact
WHAT TO DO
Keep in touch with former colleagues Contribute where your field gathers Offer help before asking for it
WHY THAT ORDER
Asking from a standing start rarely works.
WHAT TO AVOID
Contacting people only when you need something Treating it as collection Overstating relationships
WHAT TO DO WHEN APPROACHING SOMEONE
Be specific about what you are asking Make it easy to decline Respect their time
WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE HELPS YOU
Thank them, and tell them the outcome.
WHY
It closes the loop, and makes the next request welcome.
WHAT TO MAINTAIN
A record of who you know and how.
WHAT MATTERS MOST
Reputation, which is what people say when you are not present.
