Energy without strategy is useless

When I first started networking I remember trying to connect with every single people I met. I did not bother qualifying people. I did not care if they were strategic or if they were responsive, any connection is a good connection.

The truth is I did not have a strategy and I was using lots of energy trying to do as much as possible. Networking was so exhausting.

There was this one guy who I would avoid at every event I would see him because once we started talking he would not let me leave. He would keep talking about all his problems and would drone on and on.

Another person I would see at events seemed like a well connected guy but he would never respond to emails or calls after we met at events. He seemed like a good potential networking partner but he was really bad with communication.

Energy without strategy is useless!

I decided to get smart and create a networking strategy.

What I quickly realized was that not every connection was created equal and If I just connected with the right people, instead of with everybody, I would be able to focus my energy and get better results. 

The ONE limited resource that we all have is time and TIME is not replaceable. The way to leverage our time is to have an amazing strategy about how to use our time not just efficiently but also effectively.

I heard Tony Robbins say “The right strategy will save you a decade.”

Before I go to a networking event now I ask myself, what is my goal? What does success look like? Who are the three most important people I want to follow up with.

Once I find those three people, I am ok with leaving. This way I can have the energy and the mindshare to follow up with those three people properly.

If I meet too many people and make too many promises, I may not be able to follow up with all of them.

When I focus on few people who I feel are strategic and I take the time to find out how to get them to be responsive, by asking for their cell or whatever the best means of communication is, I am able to not just be efficient with my time but also effective with my energy.

What is your networking strategy? Do you try to connect with as many people as possible? Who do you want to meet? Feel free to comment below.

Joe Apfelbaum -

Ajax Union

PS: I am writing 10 articles about my take aways, to see the first one where I made that promise check it out. Life is Energy