All successful employers are stalking men who will do the unusual, men who think, men who attract attention by performing more than is expected of them. (Schwab)
Your best introduction can be made with scissors.
Decide which people you want to network with. Let’s say program managers. Look in newspapers, trade publications and business magazines for any mention of any program manager.
When an article mentions your target by name, cut out the article. Put the article in an envelope and send it to the person. If you want to really impress them, have it laminated too. Include a very short handwritten note congratulating them. Add your business card to the envelope.
A week later give them a call. Don’t mention the article you sent. They’ll remember it.
If you are looking for a job, ask them who they know who is hiring for the position you are looking for. If you need their help for something else, ask them who they know who can help you. And you can always just say, “Hello, congratulations on the promotion.”
You will be surprised at how heartily you are helped. You paid attention to them when you didn’t have to. Now they will want to pay attention to you.
Networking with scissors will get you places you never thought possible.
————————-
Something To Do Today
Figure out where you can find articles that mention the kind of people you want to network with. Start reading for names. Clip the articles and send them out. Then follow up.