10X2=Promoted! How to Connect with 10 People

This continues our series outlining how the 10X2 philosophy helps you get better assignments

Bruce, the CEO of a very successful web development firm, understands the power of connecting with at least 10 people a month. In fact, he connects with twice that many as part of promoting his business. He also encouraged his staff to connect with 10 people a month. He registered his entire staff with a business association and provided time to attend. He found they performed better because of these associations.

Traditional Methods for Connecting

Previously, we discussed people with whom you may connect. This post we will highlight how you may connect. You will recognize some methods for connecting. Other methods may seem more unusual.

The least effective and the least personal include

• Send an email or text
• Make a phone call
• Nudge, poke, or connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, or other social media
• Follow, forward, or share their Twitter feeds

More effective and personal involve:

• Phoning or Skyping to keep in touch, talk shop, discover how you can help
• Meeting to share breakfast, lunch, or drinks
• Go to a movie, concert, play, or other entertainment
• Playing a round of golf, racquetball, tennis, bowling, or sailing
• Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars together
• Traveling or other informal settings

The Power of Pools

Sarah and Jared Stewart, authors of  City of Influence, encourage you to swim in pools (follow the links to view video clips). They rent entire theaters and invite their friends to attend major motion picture openings.

They share “Fish have to go out into the current to gather nourishment, but when they are finished they escape into a pool. People tend to spend the majority of their time in a fast-paced current doing the 'tasks' of their business. The problem with spending most of your time in the current is that most relationships are built in pools. It's only in pools that you slow down long enough to see people as people, and begin to connect with who they really are.”

Wednesday we highlight how to connect with and mix professional and personal conversations