Effortless Networking: Get Back In The Loop


by Sri Dasgupta - Date: 2006-12-08 - Word Count: 379 Share This!

The end of the year is usually marked with many parties and social gatherings, which are excellent opportunities to reconnect with people.

So the timing seems appropriate to talk about how to "get back into the loop" if you've been out of touch for a while.

There are many kinds of "loops" and therefore many ways to get back into it.

For instance, after I returned from maternity leave, I wanted to quickly get back into business.

In this case, getting back in the loop meant letting my clients, associates and others in the business community that I was "back at work" and accepting new clients, speaking engagements, etc.

I reconnected in several ways: I contacted clients individually to tell each one that I was back; I attended the Chapter meetings and events of all the organizations that I belonged to, so I could "be visible" as well as talk to individuals about being back at work; and so on.

As you can see, one size doesn't fit all.

So here are 2 questions you should consider, when you're wondering how best to get back into the loop:

What kind of "loop" is it?

For instance, are you thinking of reconnecting with a small group of people with whom you used to regularly do business? Or do you want to make your presence "public" within an industry?

It matters because your approach to reconnecting will be different based on how small or how large your "loop" is.

Why do you want to get back into the loop?

For example, do you want to let people know that you're re-launching your business with a new focus? Or that you're looking for a job?

This is important because this helps you be clear about the kinds of conversations you want to have. So when you do reconnect with people -- in a group setting or individually -- you can have useful conversations.

Based on how you answered these questions, you might decide to attend an industry-specific conference, send out a press release, attend regular business mixers, join a professional association, host a party or simply contact people individually.

Or you might decide to do all of the above.

In any case, you'll be able to find the right approach for what you want to accomplish and get the most out of your efforts.

Try it out. See what happens.


Related Tags: how to network, networking tips, business networking, networking conversations

(c) Copyright 2006, Srirupa Dasgupta

Srirupa Dasgupta is the author of Effortless Networking: Everyday Wisdom to Transform your Business and Life. If you liked this article, you'll LOVE the book. For more information, visit http://www.EffortlessNetworking.com .

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