9 Ideas about “How NOT to Overwork Your Network”
By Rajesh Setty on Wed 25 Mar 2009, 1:26 PM – 7 Comments
With everything that is happening in the world, the focus is on how to get the most out of your network. This is the right question to ask but if you stretch it a bit you might “overwork” your network and cause trouble for yourself. Here are ten ideas about “how NOT to overwork your network.”
(The ideas are not in any order)
1. Don’t add people in your network to mailing lists without asking their permission. Just because you have their card does not mean that they want to hear from you via newsletters.
2. Don’t introduce new people to anyone without asking permission from both parties. Typically one person wants to meet the other because they want to get something from the other person and the other person may not have the bandwidth to give that “something.”
3. Don’t have unreasonable expectations of your network
4. Don’t expect to receive first.
4. Don’t introduce more noise in your network. People don’t have time to deal with new noise.
5. Don’t take your network for granted.
6. Remember the golden rule: You knowing someone is not the same as they knowing you.
7. Put yourself in their shoes before making any request.
8. Think about this: “Why would fulfilling your request be meaningful to them?” If you can’t come up with a good answer, it might be time to go back to the drawing board and re-design your request for help.
9. Don’t play games with your network. Sooner than later, your network will know your true intent. And, it better be GOOD.
Lastly, remember that you get license to make a request in the “short-term,” if you have built a relationship over the long-term.
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7 Comments so far, Add Yours
Beth Bridges on March 25th, 2009
I agree with all these ideas and would like to add one more:
* Have a large enough network so that you are not continually tapping the same people for ideas/requests/inputs and so that you have a wide range of services and products to refer others to.
Rajesh Setty on March 25th, 2009
Thanks Tim. When you ask, it’s just one question for you but the other person might be getting a dozen other requests. And, it always costs less to ask then to fulfill what was asked.
Beth, thank you. Yes, larger and more diverse the network – better.
Best,
Rajesh
Ellen Weber on March 27th, 2009
Thanks – this is so refreshing and should be written on our foreheads as reminders. I re-tweeted it in Twitter to show my appreciation! Great post!
Rajesh Setty on March 28th, 2009
Ellen,
Thank you for the kind comments and for the tweet.
Have a great weekend.
Best,
Raj
Jessie Voigts on March 30th, 2009
great, great list. i am always looking to offer and help people first – if they want to give back, then that is a bonus for me.
thanks!
smi on April 3rd, 2009
Which idea among the above would set me a example if I start commenting religiously on every post of yours.
I ve saved myself after reading this post.Ideas with maximum life.
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Tim Bursch on March 25th, 2009
Great thoughts especially with a variety of networks. I think it is easy in a tough time to just ask, ask, ask, instead of giving. That can wear out a welcome fast. What are you giving away to your network?- That is something I try to ask myself often.