It is an all-too-common sequence of events. We devote a tremendous amount of effort to establishing some networking momentum. No sooner than it appears as if our efforts will be successful, momentum seems to dissipate, often for no apparent reason – leaving us in the same state of being networked.
Perpetual momentum
This is generally deflating and certainly frustrating. The problem is not that we did something wrong in creating momentum – the impetus was clearly there. The problem is that we eased our efforts too soon and as such the momentum was not sufficiently established to perpetuate itself.
Complacency is (unfortunately) natural
The lesson is simple: When things are moving in the right direction and a positive outcome is inevitable, it is a natural tendency to sit back and relax. This is the time, however, when we can realize an extraordinary return on a little extra effort.
We can obtain this little extra effort by simply reminding ourselves that when networking momentum begins to swing in our favor to not get complacent and focus on continuing to do the things that created the momentum.
Challenge the natural tendency
It is these times that we need to challenge ourselves to get out to one more event, make one more call or delve a little deeper into social media. These small extra efforts will yield relatively substantial returns for the us.
In closing, consider this, if we set a match to a pile of sticks, there is a strong possibility that the fire may burn itself out before it has an opportunity to spread. If we gently fan the flames, however, we can transform our single match into a raging fire.
Author:
Frank Agin is the founder and president of AmSpirit Business Connections. In addition, Frank is the author of Foundational Networking: Building Know, Like and Trust To Create A Lifetime of Extraordinary Success and the co-author of LinkedWorking: Generating Success on the World’s Largest Professional Networking Website and The Champion: Finding the Most Valuable Person in Your Network.
