What do you do if your busy schedule is hindering your ability to network effectively?

Divide it strategically and prioritize. It's not easy but it is also not impossible. I see everything as a Network opportunity. Biggest example is this- I am filled with work but with 5 minutes break, I am using LinkedIn as a network opportunity where I am connecting great minded people and sharing thoughts using this networking tool.

Networking simply has to make it to the priority list in order to keep your face and name fresh with potential business opportunities for yourself or others that you are connected to. Opening the doors for others is a high value proposition in the networking world.

Networking is a life skill. The difference between networking and not working is ONE letter. Think about it. Recognize that you prioritize your networking just like any other activity. Set a minimal goal for yourself during busy times. Expand your goal during time with more flow. Also, capture informal moments when you can - walk to a meeting together or grab a quick virtual coffee to catch up. Stick to a time for your encounters - if you want only a quick 10 minutes you have to be true to your word. Keep copious notes of your conversations and what's important and 'up next' for your connections. If you want to be served by networking you have to be willing to be that resourceful networker yourself.

It is reasonable to assume that a successful business person is busy and that work takes a priority over networking. But since we know the value of networking, we should make time for it. Make networking part of your problem solving strategy! Let's say you are working on a business problem you have seldom encountered before. In addition to your own research, try reaching out through LinkedIn to ask for ideas from connections or through a group. You can bring it up with colleagues at a professional networking group. Now you are combining networking (talking to connections to build relationships) with solving business problems you confront in your regular workday. You created networking MAGIC!!

I use Calendly religiously to ensure my meetings are scheduled appropriately and not during times that I'm not available. If networking is a priority I will block out that time (including drive time) to ensure that I am able to make it to the event!

Integrating networking into a busy schedule requires strategic time management. As a CTO, I've leveraged brief windows like coffee breaks or the minutes before an existing meeting to maintain relationships. Utilizing lunch breaks for phone calls or arranging back-to-back meetings in the same location maximizes time efficiently, allowing for multiple engagements in one session. Even brief interactions of 15 minutes can significantly contribute to sustaining and growing professional networks. This approach ensures that you remain connected without compromising your primary responsibilities.

O networking é uma atividade da minha agenda como qualquer outra. Fazer networking é uma estratégia e, como visitar um cliente, resolver um problema ou entregar uma proposta, o networking faz parte da minha agenda diária. N?o é encarado como algo feito “se sobrar tempo”; até porque, nunca vai sobrar tempo, sempre teremos algo mais a fazer!

O planeamento é fundamental para podermos fazer tudo o que precisamos e por isso o agendamento é importante, uma pequena conversa ao telefone pode ser mais util que uma reuni?o com mais pessoas

Taking active breaks also serves to reorganize and attend to some pending issues with clients and meet the goals set so as not to neglect and keep track of them.

Sometimes going back to basics is the best way to manage a busy schedule. Creating a handwritten list that allows you to visually stay aware of the number of tasks left to accomplish while also allowing you to mentally reward yourself for tasks completed with a check mark. The task of creating the list itself gives you the time and space to truly organize your tasks by priority while taking a moment to wrap your mind around what it will take to accomplish each one.

In fast pace developping world the technology is the main tool to connect efficiently and strongly with leaders, influencers, pioneers and same interests persons around the globe. Social platforms can make connections more flexible by fitting into everyone’s schedule and crossing distances and time zonings among professionals.

In fast pace developping world the technology is the main tool to connect efficiently and strongly with leaders, influencers, pioneers and same interests persons around the globe. Social platforms can make connections more flexible by fitting into everyone’s schedule and crossing distances and time zonings among professionals.

By connecting online with people you can meet many others who too are busy and don’t have time for events but are looking to grow their networks, and this can be from all around the world. Connect on LinkedIn, Facebook groups and WhatsApp groups (a friend of mine has over 500 WhatsApp groups specifically for networking in niche sectors or specific countries etc.) and then build on these meetings over zoom and other video platforms so you can build on the initial interaction and really get to understand each other & where you could work together or help each other to grow in business! Also get referrals & recommendations from others who do this & by swapping your contacts & connections you can help grow each others networks & businesses.

Networking is about providing value, remaining present, and being available. These can be done at scale. I created a newsletter where I share valuable content with my community. Each email prompts a few folks to reply and reengage. Instead of going nuts trying to keep up with anyone or using automation for fake engagement (Happy birthday ??), I stay top of mind with honest group communication that turns back into personal communication when they want it.

Sem duvida que as redes sociais s?o fundamentais nestes tempos. Como era possível ter tantos contactos em tantos lugares diferentes sem o LinkedIn... mas tem também uma dificuldade, manter e desenvolver rela??es numa rede t?o complexa..

A grande pergunta que fa?o aos centralizadores é: “por que motivos você tem uma equipe?”. Outra pergunta relacionada, caso a pessoa trabalhe sozinha é: “imagine qu?o mais produtivo você seria caso tivesse uma equipe”. As empresas têm equipes para multiplicar a sua capacidade produtiva. Essa é a raz?o principal. Assim sendo, as atividades e responsabilidades precisam ser delegadas. Isso dará tempo, ao Empresário, ao líder, para uma atua??o mais estratégica, como fazer networking, por exemplo.

In my experience I have met many SuperConnectors online who are passionate & giving networkers & collaborators, they often know lots of people & usually run networking event, networking groups or online groups etc. So connect & build relationships with these people & your own network can grow quickly & efficiently, simply by knowing these people & utilising their existing networks & relationships in order to grow yours! These guys (including myself) spend time nurturing their relationships though so you need to approach the relationship in a way that’s going to be offering value rather than just looking for what’s in it for you! If you build relationships with the right mindset then others will happily share their best contacts with you.

You are not your organization′s superhero, forget about wearing a cape or a mask, everyone has their tasks and you shouldn′t be traying to hoard everything, by contrast, try to delegate tasks, if you don′t trust in everybody, well simply identify amid your colleagues to those who you can trust, ally with them and share some activities.

When a busy schedule starts impeding your networking efforts, it's time to consider delegation. Delegation means assigning tasks to others who can handle them effectively, freeing up your time for networking activities. Identify tasks that don't require your direct involvement and delegate them to capable individuals or team members. Clear communication and providing necessary guidance are key to successful delegation. Remember, delegation isn't about losing control but about maximizing efficiency. By delegating tasks, you can prioritize networking and build valuable connections, even amidst a hectic schedule.

Networking opportunities exist all around you. One of the keys to great networking is understanding that it not just the person you are speaking to that you want to get to know, but all of the people that they may know too. So whoever you meet, wherever you meet them they might know someone who is ideal for you to meet so just build relationships with people and get to know like and trust them and get them to do the same with you, through genuine intentions. Over time you’ll get to find out who else they may know that could be a great introduction for you. In addition to having their own networks, we all have family members in business so you never know who you’re speaking with and who they are connected too!

When you have a busy schedule, optimizing informal moments for networking becomes essential for maintaining connections and building relationships. Here are some strategies to make the most of your time and opportunities for networking during busy periods: 1. Leverage Technology 2. Attend Virtual Events 3. Schedule Coffee Meetings 4. Join Online Communities 5. Utilize Commute Time 6. Utilize Break Time 7. Engage in Social Activities 8. Be Genuine and Authentic.

Fazer networking é se mostrar interessante para a outra pessoa, sem ser interesseiro. Requer técnicas e pode e deve ser feito em qualquer ambiente e lugar.

Nothing's better than an informal conversation to gain confidence and share good ideas with colleagues, it surely will break the ice and collaborate to boost creativeness. Grab this moments and gently bring strategic topics to the conversation to promote a brainstorm.

Taking time to stop and think about what's going on in life is the best option in my opinion. By doing this, one may realize that they are making certain responsibilities/tasks a priority that could be transferred to others or stopped completely. We all can get stuck on the hamster wheel of life, lose track of time, and forget to recalibrate.

Something I have found helpful is taking stock in what is adding value to your life professionally or otherwise. It can be easy to fill up the calendar, but what is adding to your life and what is bringing you joy. If there is something on your calendar you dread maybe it’s time to reflect on why and if that activity is adding value to your life.

Pencil it in! Networking means creating sustainable and truthful relationships. Own it. Do it. Because building your mycelium of trusted relations is an investment!

No one has time now days. Time needs to be managed. We need to bee answerable for every minute we spend in our productive day. This does not mean working like a machine. Time needs to be managed such that you efficiently utilise your wasteful time that you didn't account for earlier.