NETWORKING – it’s not just for business. A little thought to your life, in terms of networking, can provide a new perspective and new opportunities. In the interest of complete disclosure, you should know that I run networking events and Spanish Immersion classes. You can check my bias – I like to think of it as enthusiasm – by visiting www.hdsc.us. My experience is primarily at the intersection of mainstream and Latino businesses – communicating and networking across that boundary. So that is what I’m going to write. All the same, take a look at these networking tips and imagine the impact they would have on your business or social life.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS I PUT TOGETHER FOR OUR
NETWORKERS, THAT YOU CAN ADAPT TO YOUR LIFE:

1.You know more Latino people than you think, keep in touch regularly— Make a schedule – maybe recontacting 25 people each week, or all your contacts once each quarter, etc. Let them know that you haven’t forgotten them. Statistically, every person knows around 200 other people. So if you meet 500 people in RI, you can honestly say that you are connected to all one million people in Rhode Island. However, if you only keep in touch with 50 of the 500 you met, you have wasted your previous efforts.

2. Attend one networking event a week, get out of your circle once a month— A good balance is to force yourself out of your routine once a month. You know an event is “out of your circle” if you feel uncomfortable going there. Consider it a sign that you are doing something right. And, “I’ve never been here before. What do you think about it?” is a great conversation starter.

3. Get to know “extenders”—
Sometimes we forget about “extenders” – the people who may
spread the word about us, but are not direct customers. Look
up and attend one of their events as your “out of my circle”
for the month.

4. Connect to communities as well as individuals—
We associate networking with individuals. Make sure you include
communities in the form of community organizations in your
contacts. You don’t have to know every individual in the group.
Think about communities to which you belong or want to
belong. If they have an organization, contact the representative.
Use a chat room if you don’t want to go in person. Find out if
they use a newsletter, etc. Know who the group is and what they
do. In doing so, someone there will come to know about you.

Crafting a net is work. It does take time. And it happens one knot
at a time, time after time. Don’t think of networking as something
you can accomplish in one day, or at one event. Instead try to add
one knot each week or so. Don’t lose the knots you have already
tied. Do expand your repertoire. Add one new contact to your list
every week and you will be amazed at the positive impact it has
on your business and social life, in six months.

Speak Now not Later
Celebration at Hi-Hat