Build Great Networks By Focusing on the Few, Quality Relationships

It's not the size of your network that matters. What really matters is the quality of the relationships you have built. In order for networking to work effectively, you must focus your energy on building quality relationships.

As it's impossible to build great relationships with everyone you meet, it's a good idea to start with the people you connect with and for whom you have a mutual respect.

Focus on the Few, Not the Masses

When you meet someone for the first time, you either click or you don't. If you do, take this as a sign to start building a relationship.

At the same time, it's difficult to get to know all of these people. Find synergies between yourself and others and concentrate on the ones who make the most sense to integrate into your network.

In addition, focus on getting to know the ones you believe you can provide some value. After all, helping others is one of the greatest aspects of building relationships. In time, people will reciprocate your goodwill. Nurture these relationships as these are the people who will help you to network more effectively.

Mutually beneficially relationships are so important because you can leverage each other's resources on a regular basis. Whether you need advice, referrals, career help or a friend to talk to, your contacts should be there for you.

If you focus too much time on having a large network, you won't be as successful in networking. Take the time to get to know fewer people very well.

Engage Your Network

In order to continually build quality relationships, you need to stay top of mind to people and constantly interact. Be creative and finds ways to reach out to be people. Let people know you're willing to help them.

One of the great things about having a strong network is that you can have others help you if you can't help someone by yourself. Make sure you have good relationships with people in various industries, job functions and skills.

The broader your network, the easier it will be to help others. It doesn't matter whether it was you or someone in your network who provided the help. The fact that you assisted will go a long way with people.

Another good way to engage in your network is to ask people to meet you for coffee, lunch or dinner.

It's important to have one-on-one time with people so you can get to know each other better. Make sure you get together with people on a regular basis. In fact, make it a goal to get together with one or two people each week.

Finally, keep in touch on a regular basis by sending out an e-mail to certain people. Your e-mail should provide some valuable information about networking events, industry news or resources.

Whatever you decide to send out, you want people to remember you. Keep in mind that certain people will reciprocate and engage with you back. When this happens, you know that your efforts are paying off to build quality relationship.

Why the Masses Are Still Important For Your Network

Even though you should focus much of your time and energy on building quality relationships, it's still important to be tapped into a lot of people. While you won't be able to build good relationships with all of these people, you can still benefit from each other.

A great way to build a large network is to create an e-mail newsletter. Whenever you meet people, you can add them to your database once you have their permission.

As long as you provide some valuable content, you will have people interested and tapped into your world. The main takeaway here is that you will have branded yourself and many people will know and respect you.

If you ever have a need or message that you need to get out, you will be able to reach out to the masses in your network. The more people who know you, the better the chance of a favorable response.

Also, as you are meeting people, it's good to keep their information in an electronic format. That way, if you need to find a certain type of individual (such as a tax attorney), you will be able to search your database for this person.

Of course, it's hard to keep in touch on a regular basis with many people. However, if you have enough different types of people in your network, you will be able to connect with them when you need to. Some of these relationships may eventually turn into quality relationships.

Final Thought

Having quality relationships is a very important aspect for effective networking. Focus much of your time and energy on nurturing these relationships.

It's important to constantly meet new people as some of these individuals may become great assets to your network.