Networking For Results That Balance Your Give And Take

If you are an introvert like me, and belong to more than one organization for networking, you’ll want to balance your energy and time equally. Everyone though wants a balance of give and take in resources, contacts, or clients, and this keeps you in a steady flow of receiving. What are some ways to achieve this necessary balance?

1) In a structured or unstructured event, when you connect with a number of contacts or connections for your specific networking purpose, you take don’t you? You take away something of value for yourself. Do you follow-up with those contacts? Don’t leave it up to them to contact you.

2) Do you follow-up with something they want from you? If you can, be on the giving end early in whatever way you can, no matter how small. Your reputation will grow and you’ll be known as a connector.

3) If you belong to an association or organization, participate on a committee. Even if there is only one specific thing you know you can contribute for a committee, let someone know what you can do. Yes, you balance your membership with giving.

4) You may have some specific comments for the facilitator of an event to let them know that it was worthwhile. After all, you got a positive return on your time and energy didn’t you? Pick up the telephone or email that person to thank them.

5) You meet someone you know would be a valuable connector for you. Another take. Balance by talking to them for a few minutes to build rapport, exchange business cards and then move on.

6) You got a referral you asked for. Now what do you give back? It’s quite appropriate to write a handwritten note or give a small gift of appreciation to the person who opened the door for you.

7) If you always take, but are short to give, you will find yourself not reaping all you can. If you always give, but do not take, you will find yourself on the short end and maybe resentful. Stay in balance to stay in the flow of networking.

It’s a studied fact that when you balance give and take, you reap more than you would than if you just take. Reflect on how your networking skills balance give and take. Then act to either be or maintain balance.