Matchmaker, Matchmaker

How many people are in your network: 25? 200? 800? 1600? The number doesn't matter as much as how tightly you are connected to them, and how tightly they are connected to each other. When this linkage happens, so does magic. Your network can support you in your current position, help you understand industry issues and trends, and make you aware of opportunities beyond. If your linkages are weak, your network is like a computer without electrical power: great potential, but wasted.

There are two primary ways to power your network. The first involves helping individuals within the network, by "giving" them things (ideas, information, support) that are genuinely helpful to them. Doing so lays the groundwork for them to return the favour. The second way to power your network is to connect those within it to each other. This might mean a three-way meal, a conference call, or setting up a short coffee meeting for your contacts by themselves. If you create linkages of value, your relationship with both parties will also become more valuable. And they'll return the favour, hooking you up with contacts in their network.

This Week's Action Item: Add the title "matchmaker" to your resume, and help your contacts with their networking. Identify three matches that you could arrange - and schedule the first meeting to happen this week.

Special note: Randall Craig will be running his Personal Performance Work-Life Balance Seminar in the Downtown Toronto area, on both Nov. 23 and Nov. 28, 6:30pm-8:30pm. For information or to register, please go to www.LeavingTheMotherShip.com.

Make It Happen Tipsheet
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Copyright © 2006 Knowledge to Action Press and Randall Craig. All rights reserved.

Publication Date: November 7, 2006