Ways to Build Community and Rapport in 2019

Although I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions, (I believe in new day or new hour resolutions), the turn of the calendar to 2019 is a great opportunity to make a fresh start building a community, nurturing community and establishing rapport. Here are some tips that I've found to be effective in establishing a stronger rapport and a stronger community

1. Get rid of that phone that only takes inbound calls - when was the last time you called someone just to say hello? Make the effort to build in some time for some "warm-calling." Reconnect with others, reach out to that person that emailed you via phone or be the one who calls when you have an appointment rather than waiting for the phone to ring.
2. Don't be a networking wall builder - if I hear "I'm not on LinkedIn much, so that's why it took so long to get back to you." I'm going to lose it! If you have a method of reaching you (email, phone, text, web contact from, LinkedIn, Facebook page), make it a habit to get back to people same day on a business day.
3. Set up at least 3 coffee meetings a week (event if they are in the same place and back to back). 30 minutes is plenty. I've been surprised a couple times when people appreciated just having a 30 minute meeting vs. what seems to be the typical hour. If you need more time, the 30 minute period allows you a chance to extend the time if necessary and if the rapport is strong enough to warrant it. No law dictates that you have to meet in person for an hour with anyone.
4. If you live in a small community or city, check online calendars to see when your competitors or collaborators are also running events. Nothing's worse for someone who likes to network than seeing that two or more events are being run at the same time by people that know each other.
5. Come to our event on 1/18 to learn more about what's worked for me and my colleagues at Network 501 https://beyourstart.eventbrite.com