Simple steps for making and maintaining connections...your success depends on it!

We form relationships for many reasons - some a common interest is shared others we share a common purpose. I think relationships can be compared to the foundation of a home - their strength comes how the structure is set on the ground from the very beginning.

I think we can all agree and relate to the fact that we all have many demands placed on us when it comes to work - from our appointments, paperwork, marketing, social networking, staying in touch with clients and creating new business opportunities. Additionally we have demands placed on us from family, friendships, commitments, the many roles we play, and in our communities. Sometimes these demands and the overwhelming feelings of all we have on our plates, often distract us from nurturing the connections that are important to us. Often we think the people in our lives (family to clients) will be there and often it's too late when we realize just how fragile those relationships really were.

There are different categories of relationships that have varying degrees of needs for contact and interaction.

1. There are some relationships that can be so strong simply by sharing a yearly holiday card or phone call;
2. There's the relationship that enjoys monthly contact via the phone or in person to keep it strong and alive;
3. There's the weekly contact with the person that perhaps you are currently working with or with a friend or client that wants to share experiences and confidences
4. And then there's the daily contact relationships - perhaps someone you work with in your office, a current client or your spouse and children that you see and interact with every day.

Being associated with someone is not just about your needs but their needs as well. You can't simply hold the belief that because you feel you have created a relationship that it will remain strong by simply doing nothing. Just like a car or a home needs regular maintenance, so do our relationships.

What are the simple things you can do to maintain these relationships?

Sent an email or even better a hand written note to let that person know you were thinking of them. Don't forget those birthday and anniversary cards too - who doesn't love receiving an unexpected note that says you're important to me.

Make time for the people you choose to have in your life (family, friends, and clients) Sometimes a simple break in the middle of a busy and hectic day or week can do wonders for us. We all have to eat - commit to having lunch with someone once a week or month - whatever will work for you.

Call someone - reach out to that client you haven't spoken to in a while - ask them how things are going, find out about what they've been up to with the house, with the kids and in the community. Listen well. Often we discover lots of great information that can open up new opportunities for us from a referral, potential business down the road, or something we can get involved in within the community.

We all read so much these days whether on line or magazines and newspapers to keep up with the market and world. Send an article, a link or a small item to someone because you think it will benefit them.

Relationships provide us with comfort, safety, shelter and constant movement in the circle of life. If we don't pay attention to those bonds, how they were established and what's needed to keep them strong, they will break and most likely when we needed them the most. Often times we take relationships that appear strong to us for granted - we think they're indestructible and able to withstand anything - we don't worry about them.

Some simple advice to take if you desire to keep those important relationships important:

Think about the purpose of what you do. Is it to have a friendship, visibility in your community, being the person someone thinks about when their sphere of influence needs assistance. Know Why: Know why you are maintaining contact with this person, know why you are attending this meeting, know why you are marketing, reaching out to prospects, and why networking is important to you.

Don't put things off. You've heard the line: "there's no such thing as a best time" why not think this instead "there's no time like the present." Waiting for things to slow down, get better or change will most likely have you put off that call, sending that note or making any sort of contact and causing that relationship to fizzle out.

Do vs. thinking about doing. Just like we learned in school, you don't get credit for thinking about the assignment - you get it by actually doing it. Most people won't care that you thought about contacting them they will be far more tuned in with you if you actually reach out to them.

Focus and enjoy the benefits. Often times we will reach out to clients and our sphere with very little returned response. Our efforts will not always result in an instant payoff. I simply want to remind you and have you focus on the fact that you're maintaining contact. Think about it - if you told your previous client that you would be there for them even after you left the closing table how much impact it could have if you did just that. Who are they going to think of when they need someone, some advice or they know someone that needs your help? Work on creating bonds that will stand the test of time.

Plan

Just like a vacation, trip or a party needs planning so too does our frequency of contact with our sphere.

Most of us have databases that house our client information. Plan those calls and contacts. I recently visited a craft store and picked up a whole package of little note cards that I can use to write a little note - purchase some for yourself and share them. Look through your database and identify someone that you haven't been in touch with in a long time. I know it's scary but reach out even from a distance and let them know you're interested in keeping the connection.

Schedule

As I mentioned in my previous post about using your calendar to keep you on track - fill in your social obligations - both personal and professional - make room for everything and everyone important in your life. Review your week and determine how you're going to spend your time and where you will put your focus. Schedule time to network - both online and offline. Pick a time each day or week - whatever works for you - to connect. Connections come from shared experiences and I think many of us believe that phrase "seeing is believing" - show by your actions and your behavior that someone is important to you.

Read

As I suggested earlier in this post, clip articles, send links or mention a great book to let someone know they're being thought of, your connection exists even if they can't physically see you. We all read so much in any given day - read with people in mind.

I'll end with this important question: Are you too busy working to keep in touch with those that truly matter?

1. Identify relationships that need your attention.

2. Create habits and routines that you can commit to on a regular basis

What do you do to maintain all your important relationships?

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Ready to take your marketing to new levels? ~ Anne Marie Malfi ~ Malfi Marketing Solutions.com ~ Copyright 2009