Are you #Networking every day in November? Much like any muscle, the more you work out your networking skills, the better you become at the practice.
Throughout November, I am posting a daily networking tip on social media. Below are my next five tips. 
Tip 6: Embrace the Value of Self Care. Some days you may be a networking rockstar, others you just feel meh. When you’re not feeling 100% – or even 80% – recognize that your time may be better spent taking a break or doing something nice for yourself during networking time. It’s all good. You will be back in “rockstar” mode in no time.
Tip 7: Write a recommendation or testimonial. One of the best ways to stay top of mind is to do something nice for a colleague/peer or someone in your referral network. One of the nicest things you can do is write a recommendation for their LinkedIn that they can also share on their website and in their marketing materials/one sheets.
Tip 8: Make Plans! Ideally you want to attend a certain number of networking events each week or month in order to meet new people, develop relationships, and expand your tribe. Mix it up between mixers, educational events, and one-on-ones.
Since a lot of things are virtual now, it’s easy to find and attend events without leaving your home or office.
Start small. Find a mixer to attend – online or in person – next week. Need a recommendation? Ask a friend. It’s like two networking activities in one.
Tip 9: Bake someone happy! Gift a friend or neighbor with some homemade treats. Time in the kitchen is a wonderful way to disconnect from tech. And showing someone you care uplifts both of you. Not a baker? We won’t tell if you stop by the store or bakery.
Tip 10: Make a wish list of people you want to meet. These can be prospects, thought leaders, and/or possible referral partners. You want your list to be realistic, of course, but be sure to include some dream intros.
All of the achievers I interviewed in “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting” are either first degree connections or intros from friends. You never know who knows who, so it all starts with putting the intention out there.
Who do you want to meet? Maybe someone who sees this can make an intro.