I track my networking efforts each week with a tool from the Certified Networker training program. It gives points for certain task that I do.
Now, believe me, in the past when I ran into one of those old-fashioned, sales point systems, I RAN!
They never seemed to take into account the personality or the abilities of the individual.
Instead the sales manager would say, "Okay, from this point on we're all going to accumulate 50 points per week and of those 10 will come from cold calling, 10 from phone calling, 20 from appointments and 10 from mailers."
I hate authority that is mindless. The above system would have me rebelling in three seconds. But that's a whole 'nuther story!
Back to the points I track. I like this system, because no one tells me what to do. I choose where I get my points and how I accumulate them. I also choose how many points I need to accumulat
e.The most challenging area for me to gain points should be the easiest. Calling someone in my network of friends and acquaintances is where I always fall short. I have tried to analyze my reticence and think I have picked up on a few answers.
It takes time to have a conversation. But then I love meeting with people in person.
It's more impersonal. But phone conversations can be more confidential than those in person.
I think I'm bothering people. But they wouldn't answer their phone if they didn't want to be bothered.
They'll think I'm calling to sell to them. But I don't do that in person.
What is it?????? Why do I have this block??????
HELP!
4 comments:
I don't think you have a block. Maybe you need to keep it simple.
When I think of someone, I give them a call. "Hey, how are you doing? I was just thinking of you and I hope you are having a great day."
Maybe people think I'm weird for doing this. To me it just seems like the right thing to do.
Let me share with you what it's like to be on the other end of that phone call.
Last week, you called me on Friday afternoon just to talk - I was flattered. I knew you weren't trying to 'sell' me anything - you were just calling to touch base.
Angie Weid did the same thing in the past. I felt the same way.
I learned from both of you what this can do to a relationship. Now the question is - why the heck haven't I incorporated this into my networking?
Gosh, Sandy, I guess I've been looking at this challenge all wrong. When I called you to thank you for being interviewed on the podcast, I didn't think of that as a "touching someone in my network call." Thanks for giving me a "duh" wakeup! (That's why I'm still learning stuff on the 41st time through the Certified Networker class -- I'm a VERY slow learner!)
Thank you, Angie and Sandy!
I have this block, also. I am even hesitant to call old friends. I think I am afraid of awkward pauses, although it never happens.
I am making a vow right now to call 5 people in my network each weekday, just to say I'm thinking of you!
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