Welcome to 2009 - Now Do Something Different

"...And now for something completely different." Monty Python episodes would use that phrase as a transition when a skit had become totally silly or when they couldn't think of how to end the scene. If you feel like your networking efforts were pointless in 2008 or you can't figure out how to take your results to a higher level, why not try something completely different yourself?

What do you need to do in order to change your networking strategy? Maybe it's as simple as having a strategy to begin with. Personally, my plan has been to create events that establish the Clovis Chamber as a leader in networking events, with quantity, variety, and quality. As the person who creates, promotes, and runs the activities, I gain a great deal of exposure and credibility. Running events provides me with something wonderful to give my contacts: an invitation to something that will benefit their business.

• Start with a strategy. Networking is not complicated. A simple plan is going to serve you much better than random activity.
• If you're trying to sell, maybe it's time to back off and make friends first.
  
• If you've got a lot of relationships, but no sales, maybe it's time to ask your friends if they would like to do business with you.
• If you're maxed out on the time you can spend, maybe it's time to take a leadership position for more exposure in the same time.

Unless you have more clients that you know what to do with, even if you raise your prices, then certainly keep doing what you're doing. But if you're not getting the results you need, make 2009 your time to do something different.