5 Tips on Getting and Staying Connected (5)

This is the 5th and final segment of a 5 part series (Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4)

The competitive marketplace is changing very rapidly.  As an Intrapreneur (Thanks Matt Owen for pointing me to that term) or an Entrepreneur, we all must be able to adjust and change accordingly.  One of the changes that is happening is our connectivity to other businesses.

Tip #5 - Make Introductions

Part of staying connected to others revolves around your ability to create success for others.  If you go out of your way to make filtered introductions to people in your network... Your network will grow and increase your odds for success.  Here are some thoughts/suggestions for making introductions.

• Filter But Don't Worry.  This could also be said as, qualify but don't over-qualify.  If you constantly make introductions; you won't make a good match every time.  Do your best in the beginning and you'll get better as you grow.
• Match Personalities.  One of the easiest ways to filter is to match attitudes and personalities.  People are driven by different things, so do your best to discover what that is and you're intro-success rate will increase. 
• Give A List.  If you are highly connected you'll end up knowing people within competing industries.  Give someone a list to choose from of your trusted contacts and let them decide who they should choose to hire.
• Disclose Compensation.  If you're on a commission basis with an introduction; it's my opinion that you should disclose that in the beginning.  This way the person you are meeting with knows there is a vested interest in the introduction.

I encourage everyone to build upon each part of this series.  After all, I believe the collaboration and connectivity among us will ultimately cause our marketplace to grow.  Let's share resources and challenge ourselves to create business success.