Utilising Your Contacts

You have to be very Strategic when it comes to Utilising Your Network.

There are two very important factors to remember when it comes to Utilising Your Network.

1. Don't Take The Piss

Pardon me for my french, but I simply can't think of a better way of emphasising this point.

A few weeks back Wale Oyedeji, Group Executive Director of GT Bank made a succinct statement whilst sharing knowledge with delegates during an MSEP session.

He said;

"The last thing you want is for your clients to think you see them as an ATM."

In other words one doesn't want one's clients thinking that it's all about give give give.

The same rule applies to your network. The last thing you want is for your network of contacts to think / believe that you're all about Take Take Take.

Therefore when it comes to utilising your network find ways of ensuring you Give more than you Take - be-it Advice, Freebies, Gifts, or Support.

2. Work out what each of your Contacts is best Suited For

You've heard the saying 'Pick Your Battles'?!

In much the same way Strategically work out which Contacts are good for what. In other words don't approach your contacts for everything you do. Otherwise as time goes on they'll start to run as soon as they see you coming.

Work out how each one can best help you, and Utilise Sparingly. That way when they come to your aid they're more than willing to do even more than you ask, and the impact is far greater.