Most of you know that I love my networking.

It’s not the fact that I have found a modicum of success through direct business either. All my contacts know precisely what I’m good at although the fact is … not everyone is in the marketplace for my particular services, all of the time.

This is the same for each of us. Those who know, understand that the ‘magic’ happens through familiarity. By being there for the opportunity.

My passion for networking stems from something more valuable, a spin-off that has helped me define my reputation … the greatest ‘take-away.’

That spin-off? It’s the people I’ve met. The one-time acquaintances and those good friends who, over the years, have introduced me to their own circle.

For me, that’s made the difference. This is why I’m forever grateful that I realised the importance of following-up.

You see, early in my working life I wasn’t aware of the importance of following up the conversation. I missed out until I became responsible for the welfare of others. My employees and their family, not least my own dependants, and of course, me. It wasn’t until then that I realised I needed to step up and do more. 

Do more of what I said I would do.

You know how it works? It can be too easy to offer the “I’ll get back to you” … or … “we must catch up soon,” … or even … “I’ll stick that in the post!”

It’s all very well we know who does what and the possibilities of association, although if we wish to thrive, then we should apply the finishing touches to our conversation(s) … by doing:

I’ll get back to you … this afternoon.

‘We must catch up soon, how about Friday?’

“I’ll post that quote to you today, you should have it by the end of the week.”

Life in business is (for most of us) a long term engagement, whatever we do, the impression we leave on others can be profound. How we prioritise relationships is how we develop our reputation.

Nothing takes the gloss off a promising first impression than failing to follow-up.  

Don’t leave it too late, make your relationships a priority, your follow-up a habit. Then like me, you’ll learn to love networking.