“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.”
African Proverb
It’s the perfect time of year to put more care into your network. The holidays provide an opportunity to keep in touch with people simply through the spirit of the season. The key here is to stay in touch – just like a houseplant, your network needs a little care and attention.
Gone are the days of just collecting business cards along with the names of the reps who call on you. A reliable network brings together people with mutual interests, their ability to support the challenges you face, and a shared passion, in this business, for imaging.
It starts with as many people as you can meet face-to-face and truly get to know a little better than you can via email or a phone call. Then it’s about keeping in contact, beyond once a year at a convention or national sales meeting.
Think about all the people you know and have met through:
• Conventions, conferences, workshops
• Community involvement
• Friends/Associates
• Vendors/Manufacturers
• Customers/Your database
• Social Media
Now, think about all the ways to stay in touch, especially with those members of your network who have an aspect of their skill set that you admire. And today, there are so many different ways to stay connected:
• Connect at conventions – Heading to IUSA in January? Make plans in advance and connect with associates face-to-face. Don’t forget to include the key vendors in your network as well. For example, stopping by the Marathon booth gives you a chance to meet team members and check out new products.
• Be active in Social Media: There are dozens of forums with a photography theme, especially on Facebook. Use the search box to find them by keywords. When you join, become a member with the intention of being helpful, not as a retailer.
• Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: Retweet posts and tweets of the members of your network. The idea is always to help each other. (Sorry, can’t bring myself to call it “X”.)
• Track birthdays, anniversaries, events: I love using the birthday notifications on Facebook, and it’s my first stop each morning. I’m able to keep in touch with so many people I’ve met over the years.
• Pick up the phone! It’s old-fashioned, but in an age where we spend too much time texting and emailing, it’s the perfect way to stay in touch with the most important people in your network.
- Keep in touch with past clients. This time of year, they should all be on your holiday mailing list!
Think of your network as a target, and you’re at the bull’s eye center. Each of the 2-3 rings closest to you represents those people you trust the most and have the most valuable skills to help you with the various challenges that might come up.
And one last thought – your network can’t help you if you insist on flying solo! Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to solicit advise when you’re stuck with a challenge!
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