A network of contacts is made up of a group of friends and acquaintances who share interests, careers, or both. Creating an effective network of contacts means being surrounded by people who can lend a hand in personal or business matters.
Steps
Step 1. Scroll through your address book, calendar or other address book and take note of the contact information of friends and acquaintances
Get in touch with them if only for a chat. At this level, your conversation topic doesn't matter. Staying in touch with people works wonders, and will serve as a foundation for the next steps.
Step 2. Have a party
It can be a birthday party or a simple gathering of friends. Invite all of your close friends, and tell them they can bring a guest. During the party, talk to everyone, and ask for the phone number, email, or other contact information of people you don't know and share common interests with.
Step 3. Join a forum or community that addresses one of your interests (like wikiHow, for example;))
Post messages on the subject and share your knowledge about it. If someone on the forum shares your interests or has something to teach you, send them an email or private message and introduce yourself.
Step 4. Attend weddings, funerals and parties if they invite you
Showing interest in people in your social circle, even with just a visit to say hello, will ensure that they return the courtesy to you. Also, you can have the opportunity to get to know other people.
Step 5. Every week, send an email to your most valuable contacts, if only to make yourself alive
Ask how they are doing, how their family is doing, how their work is going. Be honest!
Step 6. Consider volunteering and contributing to a cause you believe in
It can be a fundraiser for cancer research, or a march for AIDS patients. Or even the election campaign for a candidate whose political views you share.
Step 7. Attend conferences that address the topics that interest you most
Whether it's about technology, skiing or photo albums, you will meet new people who share your interests.
Step 8. Start a group
This can be a bit of a daunting task, but if you start a group, whether it's a forum, or a group whose participants meet in the flesh, people will start coming to you without them. you have to look for them. It's a great way to make new contacts and make new friends.
Step 9. If you are looking for a job, don't hesitate to tell everyone in your social circle
Send your resume to those you feel closest to, or to those you share professional interests with.
Advice
- Don't be afraid to let go of your protective cocoon. If you are at a party, don't stay in the corner. Talk to people, even if only about this and that. You will soon find yourself involved in animated conversations that could lead to future relationship developments.
- Never snub anyone. You may not like how he dresses, how he behaves, or even just the face he has, but there is someone in your social circle who considers him a friend, so be courteous when introducing someone to you. You don't have to be friends with him, but you have a duty to be polite - always! Also, don't judge a priori - you may know someone who will one day become one of your best friends.
- If you haven't heard from them for a long time, NEVER reach out to old friends to try and sell them something. It can result in a VERY BAD figure, and even cost you a friendship. If you want to share a business plan with an old friend, contact them first, but for other reasons.
- Always carry business cards with you. They contain your contact information, and is the easiest way to leave your contact details with people you would like to keep in touch with.
Warnings
- Before giving too much personal information about yourself, establish a relationship of trust. While most relationships will present no harm whatsoever, providing too much personal information about yourself could cause you trouble in the future.
- If you are at a party where alcoholic beverages are served, don't drink too much. You could become rude and rude, and ruin relationships instead of cementing them.
