Getting Yourself an "IN" (Ideal NetWork), Part I: Planning Your "IN"

Establishing the Ideal NetWork (IN) takes commitment and time, often years.  What I find all too often is that most NetWorkers, even the most experienced ones have no true definition of their own "IN".  For example, how many associates do you know actually take the time to ask themselves, "With how many CPAs must I have quality relationships in order to provide the necessary referrals I need and how can I measure those relationships?"

My clients find that a little planning goes a long way.  What does planning have to do with NetWorking?  Simple...NetWorking is an extension of our Marketing Plan which, in turn, is an extension of our organization's Strategic and Business Plans.

Therefore, if you want an IN, you may want to answer the following questions:

1. How will I/we know when I/we have an "IN"?
2. How will decisions be made concerning the "IN"?
3. What processes will support the "IN"?
4. What does my/our competition's "IN" look like?
5. What external forces might endanger my/our "IN"?
6. How many professions should be represented?*
7. How many representatives from each profession should be represented?*
8. What SMART** goals must I/we set to achieve what I/we desire in terms of referrals?

* These will be explored more closely in upcoming segments.

** If you don't know what a SMART goal is, contact us, your own personal or business coach, consultant, trainer or look it up on the internet - this is one of those things that EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW for the sake of their own career!

If your organization can effectively answer the above questions, you have built a solid foundation to house your "IN".

In Part II of Getting Yourself an "IN" (Ideal NetWork), we will discuss putting on the "front door".  Stay tuned!
 

Kovitz Enterprises, LLC
Connecting, Educating and Inspiring Business
18 Rockwood Road
Levittown, PA 19056
(215) 945-3411