As I was going through the canning steps, I thought about how it was so like networking! It seemed like it took a lot of time to gather all the appropriate tools and then to get the the syrup made, the peaches peeled and ready to go into the jars. The last steps of jarring them and then placing them into the steaming water bath took the least time. And of course eating them next winter will be the payoff for this effort.When I think about strategic networking, as opposed general, free-form networking, (for me that means meeting with someone with an idea in mind of what I would like to accomplish) it is so very similar to processing peaches! It takes a lot of time to develop all the resources needed to have a high level referral partner. I have to make attempts to meet with new folks to winnow down the large group to a smaller few that can be groomed further. Beyond that I have to determine ways that might be possible to work together. All this needs to be done and also have time and money spent on that process. Then and only then can I reap the benefits of having someone call me to say, "Hey, I have a referral for you." Just like savoring peaches mid-winter AND just as satisfying!
