Robewanow's Weblog

5 business contacts you MUST have in YOUR network February 16, 2012

Whether on a job search or business building there is no doubt you need a strong network which can help propel you toward your goals.  But have you ever really looked at who is in your network?

Here are 5 types of business contacts you should have in your network.

1. People in other industries besides your own.  Having a diverse set of people from various industries will expose you to new thoughts, different approaches and new levels of contacts.  How do you find these people?  Attend a networking or social gathering for another industry, attend a trade show or industry event, ask your current contacts who they may know.
2. Well connected social media users or industry specific thought leaders or subject matter experts.  Reach out to these people online, mention you read their blog, heard them speak and would like to meet either virtually or in person.  Don’t forget to share information they may find useful for their job.
3. People in growing idustries.  If you are interested in an emerging field like green energy or nanotechnology do some research on the industry.  Find out where those industries are located and then work to identify appropriate contacts.
4. Friends of your current network.  Ask those in your existing network who they know and who they could introduce you to.  Tip – instead of using a company name as the reference point do some homework and provide them with a specific contact name.   Do you know Eli Manning is more likely to get a response than do you know who the quarterback of the NY Giants is?
5. Current or previous vendors. These people are in touch with a variety of people all day long across a variety of industries.  Ask them what they are noticing, any trends you can capitalize on?  Are their people you could connect them with.

Take a look at your network, how many of these people are in there and what are you doing to cultivate relationships with them?

Until next week….