Effective Organization is Key
When you are networking, keep meticulous records of both people and companies. Use a calendar to keep track of your appointments. Keep an up-to-date “to do” list of people you need to contact or thank and information you need to gather.
For each person you meet have the following information:
- Full name
- Home address and telephone number (if you know them well)
- Name of their employer (i.e., company, agency, etc.)
- Business address and telephone number
- Name of the person who referred you to them
- Record of each telephone conversation or meeting with this person (i.e., date/time of meeting discussion topics, results of meeting)
- Names of people this person has referred you to and where they are employed
For each company that interests have the following information:
- Company’s full name
- Address and main telephone number
- Names and information of any contacts you have in that company
- Other information you have about that company (i.e., press cuttings, messages on website, and/or company publications)
After each telephone call or meeting, update your records with any information you have gained. Consider using a 5”X7” card file or computerized program to keep track of your contacts. Set up your files using one card/entry for each person and/or company. File these alphabetically for easy reference.