Occasionally, you'll find it difficult to initiate or rekindle a contact, especially when it comes to writing. Do not worry, the hardest part is getting started. We have decided to give you a few primers to help you build momentum for certain situations. We would recommend using these primers with E-mail because the medium is informal and there's a quicker response time. As always, feel free to change or expand on any of the scripts listed.
Situation: You've been out of touch
Hi ___________,
Hope all is well. I was just at the computer doing some work when I all of a sudden thought about you. Please forgive me for not keeping in touch. They say that the best way to appreciate something is to imagine yourself without it. I want you to know that I value and appreciate your friendship. I promise to try and do a better job of keeping in touch.
When you have a chance, please write or call me to tell me how you are doing.
Your Friend,
Situation: You have been out of touch.
Hi ___________,
I know it is been a while since you've heard from me, but that doesn't mean I have not been thinking about you.
P.S. You'll be hearing from me more often.
Situation: Holiday Greetings (when it is too late to send a card)
Hello ___________
Just thought I'd drop you a line to wish you and your family a safe and joyous holiday season. I want you to know that I appreciate your friendship.
Your Friend,
Situation: To keep the lines of communication open
Hi ___________,
I hope everything is going well. I haven't talked to you in awhile, so I was just writing to say hello. If you have any GREAT news about anything that you are doing (or if there's anything I can do to help), please let me know.
Your Friend,
Situation: To help a contact
Hello _____________
I just came across some information that I thought might interest you. Either give me a call or E-mail me with a convenient time that I can reach you. I'll talk to you soon.
Your Friend,
You have Made Contact, Now What? Now that you have taken action to build momentum towards establishing and rekindling relationships with certain contacts, what should you do when you follow up? Let's start with four things you should not do:
* Do not ask for anything from your contact, until you do something for them first (this includes asking for a job and personal favors).
* Don't make your contacts feel guilty about not helping you.
* Do not lie to your contacts about what you could do for them.
* Don't bargain with your contacts (i.e., I will scratch your back if you scratch mine).
Nevertheless, after you have successfully established a contact, feel free to use any of the following phrases to begin the relationship-building process. To get advice/help say, "Hello Sue, I was just calling to get your advice on something. Do you have a minute?"
People love to give advice (especially in an area where they feel like an expert). Give them the spotlight and watch how you instantly build rapport with them. To request information say, "Hi Mike, I'm coming to (their city or town) for a few days, and I do not have a clue on where to go or what to do. Can you offer some recommendations?" This is a wonderful way to get a contact to offer to be your personal tour guide. Even if your contact does not offer to show you around town, he or she will usually be happy to make recommendations because you are making the contact feel like an expert.
To invite somebody to lunch say, "Hello Jill, I haven't talked to you in a while, but was wondering if you're free for lunch tomorrow? It'd be my treat." It's difficult to turn down a free lunch for 2 reasons: (1) it's FREE; and, (2) most people think it's rude to do so. Even if the client is busy and can't oblige, just asking increases your "professional stock" with that person. To send some information say, "Hi Sam, I recently came across some information that might be beneficial to you. I just wanted to touch base before I mailed it to you."
This strategy is to endear you to your contacts. Like you, most professionals are trying to get ahead and take control of their careers. Being on top of what's going on and improving your professional skills are critical to your success. Sending helpful information to your contacts shows that you are serious about career development, concerned about helping others, understand what others need and want, and that you are truly a friend. You can not beat those benefits.
In every one of these examples, you subconsciously invite your contacts to help you keep in contact with them. All of this is without applying pressure or sounding desperate. Again, networking is an art form and art necessitates the touch of finesse. "All successful people in business have something in common. They understand the value of building and maintaining a network of quality contacts!" -Joe Martin & James Malinchak
Situation: You've been out of touch
Hi ___________,
Hope all is well. I was just at the computer doing some work when I all of a sudden thought about you. Please forgive me for not keeping in touch. They say that the best way to appreciate something is to imagine yourself without it. I want you to know that I value and appreciate your friendship. I promise to try and do a better job of keeping in touch.
When you have a chance, please write or call me to tell me how you are doing.
Your Friend,
Situation: You have been out of touch.
Hi ___________,
I know it is been a while since you've heard from me, but that doesn't mean I have not been thinking about you.
P.S. You'll be hearing from me more often.
Situation: Holiday Greetings (when it is too late to send a card)
Hello ___________
Just thought I'd drop you a line to wish you and your family a safe and joyous holiday season. I want you to know that I appreciate your friendship.
Your Friend,
Situation: To keep the lines of communication open
Hi ___________,
I hope everything is going well. I haven't talked to you in awhile, so I was just writing to say hello. If you have any GREAT news about anything that you are doing (or if there's anything I can do to help), please let me know.
Your Friend,
Situation: To help a contact
Hello _____________
I just came across some information that I thought might interest you. Either give me a call or E-mail me with a convenient time that I can reach you. I'll talk to you soon.
Your Friend,
You have Made Contact, Now What? Now that you have taken action to build momentum towards establishing and rekindling relationships with certain contacts, what should you do when you follow up? Let's start with four things you should not do:
* Do not ask for anything from your contact, until you do something for them first (this includes asking for a job and personal favors).
* Don't make your contacts feel guilty about not helping you.
* Do not lie to your contacts about what you could do for them.
* Don't bargain with your contacts (i.e., I will scratch your back if you scratch mine).
Nevertheless, after you have successfully established a contact, feel free to use any of the following phrases to begin the relationship-building process. To get advice/help say, "Hello Sue, I was just calling to get your advice on something. Do you have a minute?"
People love to give advice (especially in an area where they feel like an expert). Give them the spotlight and watch how you instantly build rapport with them. To request information say, "Hi Mike, I'm coming to (their city or town) for a few days, and I do not have a clue on where to go or what to do. Can you offer some recommendations?" This is a wonderful way to get a contact to offer to be your personal tour guide. Even if your contact does not offer to show you around town, he or she will usually be happy to make recommendations because you are making the contact feel like an expert.
To invite somebody to lunch say, "Hello Jill, I haven't talked to you in a while, but was wondering if you're free for lunch tomorrow? It'd be my treat." It's difficult to turn down a free lunch for 2 reasons: (1) it's FREE; and, (2) most people think it's rude to do so. Even if the client is busy and can't oblige, just asking increases your "professional stock" with that person. To send some information say, "Hi Sam, I recently came across some information that might be beneficial to you. I just wanted to touch base before I mailed it to you."
This strategy is to endear you to your contacts. Like you, most professionals are trying to get ahead and take control of their careers. Being on top of what's going on and improving your professional skills are critical to your success. Sending helpful information to your contacts shows that you are serious about career development, concerned about helping others, understand what others need and want, and that you are truly a friend. You can not beat those benefits.
In every one of these examples, you subconsciously invite your contacts to help you keep in contact with them. All of this is without applying pressure or sounding desperate. Again, networking is an art form and art necessitates the touch of finesse. "All successful people in business have something in common. They understand the value of building and maintaining a network of quality contacts!" -Joe Martin & James Malinchak
About the Author:
James Malinchak, Showcased on ABC's Hit Tv Show Secret Millionaire, is considered by a lot of experts as the World's #1 Big Money Speaker Coach and Trainer. For Free Video Trainings concerning how to get paid to speak and how to be a motivational speaker, try hyperlink and learn more.
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