5 ways to build your profile without physically being there – Part 2

This is part 2 in a blog series about how to build your profile without physically being there. In part 1 we looked at the importance of prioritizing who you will meet and which events you will attend. We also examined how social networking allows you to build your profile without leaving your desk, or house if you so choose. In this part of the blog, we look at how to think differently, plan your profile building activities and how a blog can help. 3. Have a rolling 3-6 month relationship plan When you know who is important to you, and which events are important for you to attend, then write a relationship plan. Every 3 months re-visit this plan and extend it for the next six months: Decide whom you need to phone, email and lunch with to keep the relationship strong and healthy. This should be time outside of the day-to-day work stuff – i.e. time to get to know them better.  Write this plan for the next 3-6 months, and put it in your diary. If you have the luxury of a secretary or PA, involve them in booking your meetings and making the plan happen. If they know whom you want to meet physically, and at what frequency then you can delegate this down to them to make this happen. If you want more on how to follow up effectively, then read how do I follow up effectively. If you need a free networking plan or relationship plan, then click on the link. 4. Write a blog One of the best ways to keep yourself on your network’s radar is to send them carefully selected articles from time to time. Of course, you don’t need to have personally written these articles, or assume that you need to write all of them. Your own blog gives you a voice, a publishing outlet and a way of raising your profile and credibility with people in your network. If you have still yet to be convinced by writing a blog, then read this great blog post which has 10 reasons why every professional should blog. 5. Be innovative with the time you have available If, like me, you have spent any time in professional services, you will know that in this industry the standard ‘getting-to-know-you’ medium is lunching. Now, I like a good lunch like the best person – but there are more options than lunching. How about, meeting for a drink after work, having an early evening meal, having a breakfast meeting, going for a coffee, going to an event together – the list is endless. Within your company or industry, there will be a standard preferred getting to know you mechanism. This doesn’t mean to say you need to slavish follow this route. Here are 27 ways which you can keep in touch with your network, which may help you be innovative with the time you have available. What else would you add to this list?