Network Like Jack Bauer  

Having a great network is the difference between success and lonely Saturday nights. I’m going to share a couple of tips that I have learned over the years that keep my network as powerful as CTU’s.

Networking has been done very wrong for years. It’s not a ‘cool kids’ club as most have turned their contacts into. It’s actually much easier than that.

Fame doesn’t matter. People do.
Whenever you meet someone of note, make it count. Show them that you are interested in them as a person first, and as a contact second. At the core of networking is mutual respect. Get to know that person well, and they will return the favor .

Don’t wait. Get to the point.
The #1 mistake people make in networking is failing to quickly identify what they actually want their new special contact to do. Don’t waste another email. “Maybe…. If you could….Not now, but soon…..Hey, I was wondering” are the kiss of death conversation starters.

Instead try this:

Can you introduce me to… it would really help accelerate my project if I could connect with someone like that.

Works much better. Now that special contact feels like they can be a superhero in a low impact way.

Think like a stock broker. Tell them what they want to hear.

Things are great! That advice you gave worked well.

Thank you, how are your kids?

Sorry to see your town got hit by a storm, are you ok?

This is a pretty easy one. Stay up to date with what’s happening in your network’s lives. Watch the news, study trends, shape your conversations and requests around things that matter to the individual.

If none of that works, use overtly threatening language.

“The only reason you’re still conscious is because I don’t want to carry you.” – Jack Bauer