How to Build Trusted Relationships with the Help of Strategic Networking.
If you are like me, you have a slew of “first months as an independent worker” stories; some of the stories are positive but others are learning experiences.
In the early days of my business, I had two challenges. The first was many of my prior networking venues were off limits due to a non-compete agreement. The second, after many years of working away from home, I no longer traveled outside of the Philadelphia region. Consequentially, my connections in the Philadelphia region were limited.
I remember people recommending places where I should network and I attended every event possible. I read stories advising that, during a networking event, I should collect business cards, write notes on the back of those cards, and enter the collected information into a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database. Dutifully, I collected business cards and jotted copious notes on the back of the cards. After the event, I rushed back to the office and keyed information about the person into the CRM system. Mostly, my efforts came to naught.
I was open to any suggestions from anyone as to what I should do to connect with people. Many people reinsured me saying “There is no bad networking. Just get out there. You never know who you will meet.” But, guess what? There is.
