Facetime: Never Eat Alone Meetings

Responding to posts on MCC or attending MCC Live events are just the tip of the effective networking iceberg. Real relationships are born over time and trust.

One of the best ways to forge these bonds is with a little facetime. Some groups call it a dance card or a one-on-one. We don't care what you call it -- just do it.

Get together with another MCC member face-to-face. Visit each others offices. Share you client lists. Make a sales call together. Work together on a project. Build a lasting relationship.

Keith Ferrazzi has an excellent book on the subject called "Never Eat Alone" which several MCC members have recommended.

This strategy gives you a deeper understanding of who you are networking with and a better idea of what they do. He are a few guidelines to follow that were posted a while back:

1. Both parties need to agree to the reciprication visits upfront.

2. Try to get both meetings in within 2 weeks, no more than 4.

3. The “home team” buys lunch

4. The “home team” gets to do the majority of the talking & presenting.

5. The visitor should ask questions to clarify their understanding of what the other person does & who they’re looking to network with. Questions show you’re interested & paying attention!