Smarter Business Networking: Creating Your Primary and Secondary Circles

Smarter business networking means selecting the right networking partners that are great exchangers versus just givers or takers. Use the following list to identify the elements of networking partners that will help you create a Primary Circle of mutually-beneficial connections:

• No more than 10 people.
• Partners whose values are compatible with yours.
• Circle members manifest the behaviors and attributes of a Networlder.
• Your partners have some ability to influence. Otherwise, they are candidates better suited for your secondary circle.
• Your main task is to develop and deepen relationships with this group.
• Your partners are people who you interact with on a regular basis and feel a closeness to – more so than those in your secondary circles.

Then, also consider who belongs in a secondary circle of mutually beneficial support. Characteristics of Members of a Secondary Circle: 

• Have fewer values in common with you than people in your primary group.
• Possess goals that aren’t completely aligned with your goals.
• Have areas of interest that don’t match up perfectly with your own.
• Don’t possess as many traits and behaviors of Networlders as those in your primary group.
• Lack the time or interest to meet regularly or work together on many opportunities.

By knowing the makeup of a strong network, you will be better able to build the level of connection, exchange, value creation, and, most importantly the many opportunities that having both a primary and secondary networking circle.

Note: I no longer teach or coach my networking process. Instead, I gift my guidebooks to those who find an interest in learning and implementing the best methodology for networking I developed over the years. If you are interested in receiving my guidebook at no charge, please fill out the form on this site by clicking here.