Twenty Something Sense

I personally never find meeting people is the problem, but what really gets people and limits their network is keeping the right people connected to them. Below are 5 simple ways I’ve found over the years to clearly communicate and connect directly with people on any level you choose.

1. Hand-Written Notes – This is old school and it may seem odd to actually buy cards/paper, hand-write them, put a stamp on them and stick them in the mail. However, what I’ve found is because a hand-written note takes that additional effort, additional thought and is certainly out of the ordinary these days it makes for an increased impact. If you are looking to sincerely thank someone for something, make sure they know they are appreciated or otherwise give more feeling then go the extra mile and write someone a hand-written note. Spending a few dollars and a little extra time will be well worth it.

2. Emails – For the regular thank you, hello, checking in or feedback type communication an email can still be highly effective. The difference that I would suggest is simply making whatever you are trying to say the only thing you say in your email. For example, if you want to thank someone for something, write them a specific email about this. Do not include this at the bottom of some business email, family update or other note. By doing this you are taking the focus away from your purpose and distracting your true feelings. Be direct and you’ll communicate clearer and find that your audience will respond better as well.

3. Phone Calls – Sometimes a letter or an email just doesn’t do the trick. For example, I often get emails asking to introduce myself via email to someone, trade contact information, etc. This is my cue to immediately pick up the phone and call the person rather than write an email. By taking the additional initiative you will learn more about the person in a 3 minute phone call than you will in a 3 minute email and you will have built instant credibility with the person on the other end of the phone. In addition, use this as an opportunity to email them afterwords to thank them for their time, exchange additional information and ‘seal the contact.’

4. Business Cards – Again, this seems relatively old school, but its such a “no-brainer,” yet they are rarely used in today’s business interactions. There is not an easier way to leave behind your contact details and prompt someone else for theirs than with a business card. At a minimum they have your contact information and you have formalized the contact a bit – nothing lost and a lot to be gained.

5. Social Networking Sites – This seems blatantly obvious, but a couple of notes. I think trying to be on all 7,000 networking sites is impossible. Choose 2 or 3 that you can keep up with and actually benefit from. I personally use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Secondly, use some of the tools within the sites to either find old contacts or keep current contacts going.

After reading this hopefully you can see what I meant from my opening statements. Networking is much more about keeping relationships that you want than finding new contacts.

What strategies or tactics do others use?