You’re struggling to keep track of your networking contacts. What’s the best way to stay organized?

Staying organized with networking contacts is crucial. Use a digital contact management system like Google Contacts or a CRM tool. Regularly update contact info, categorize contacts, and set reminders for follow-ups. Add contextual notes for personalized interactions. Periodically review and clean up your list, sync across devices, and back up data to ensure nothing is lost. These strategies maximize the value of your professional network and strengthen connections over time.

CRM systems allow you to categorize and segment your contacts based on various criteria such as industry, location, or the nature of the relationship. This helps in targeted communication and allows you to tailor your interactions based on specific needs or interests. Also, CRMs often integrate with other tools and platforms, such as calendars, social media, and project management tools. This integration streamlines your workflow and ensures that all relevant information is synced across different applications.

I keep notes and tags of my connections regarding their interests and goals. For instance, I have an Artist group who I support, by buying art from them, or promoting their art. I also have an art collector group who I send my favorites artists to. Getting alerts of my connections’ birthdays and anniversaries is also a great thing. It’s a great time to wish them well, with no agenda ??????

I keep notes and tags of my connections regarding their interests and goals. For instance, I have an Artist group who I support, by buying art from them, or promoting their art. I also have an art collector group who I send my favorites artists to. Getting alerts of my connections’ birthdays and anniversaries is also a great thing. It’s a great time to wish them well, with no agenda ??????

Navigating the sea of networking contacts? Think of yourself as a savvy cartographer mapping the intricate terrains of professional relationships. Keeping notes and tags is your compass. Each contact is a unique landmark, with notes capturing the essence of your interaction, like a snapshot of a memorable vista. Tags? They're your categories, helping you navigate through this vast landscape. From the 'Artists' you support to the 'Art Collectors' you connect with, each group forms a distinct region in your network map. And remember, the occasional 'Happy Birthday' is like sending a friendly signal across the seas – it's about maintaining a presence without an agenda. Chart your course wisely!

I update my connections’ list regularly. If they are no longer active in my Art group or in my web3 group, or AI group… then I move their name to a second folder. I like to prioritize those who also actively support me and my endeavors. My time is limited, so I make sure that I am there for my most supportive frens. ??????

For me personally, visualizations work very well. This helps to create structure and shows possible cross-connections in the network that you hadn't even noticed. I also make communication plans. I make a note of who I want to talk to, how often and why. And this makes it relatively easy to block time in the calendar. The communication plan also helps with prioritization. I revise the visualization of my network and the associated communication plan every 6 months.

It’s important to remember that when you are the one inviting someone to connect with you, and they accept… please do not sell anything on the first interaction. It can be a huge turn-off. Instead, use the first opportunity as a way to bond, and to find common interests and see which projects may be of mutual interest and could lead to a collaboration in the near future. Make the other person feel special and try to add value before asking for favor or a business opportunity.??????