Networking Success Strategy: You Don't Need Willpower to Build a Powerful Business Network

I've had a personal theory for years that I have only so much "willpower" to use each day. If I used it all up on keeping my email inbox clean, then I wouldn't have any left to eat extra vegetables. Turns out that new psychological studies are suggesting that willpower is a limited resource. If you've been beating yourself up about not having the self-discipline to start or stay consistent with your networking, don't feel bad. You are off the hook. Not from trying to build your business and gain exposure. But from trying to use sheer willpower to network. This means that you have to use other ways to accomplish what you want.

Automate
You should have your 2011 appointment calendar by now and of course your planner software will go out as far as you want. Instead of trying to fit networking in each week or month, block it out now. You can find a regular event like a chamber mixer to schedule in or permanently "reserve" a corner table at the coffee shop for an hour once a week. All you have to do is invite someone to meet you there. Join an organization with regular meetings and they'll remind you to attend. Plus you won't want to waste your investment.

Environment
It must be nearly impossible to quit smoking if the whole office or household smokes. The environment discourages your attempts. If you're in a work environment where no one has the networking habit, you'll need to find a peer group that does have the habit. Their momentum will carry you along. By attending business events or joining a business club, you'll be there with people who will encourage you to form the positive networking habit.

Small Steps
Don't try plunging in to a complete networking immersion program with five events a week, two new business referral groups and a full luncheon calendar. Find just one thing that you can do regularly, whether it's attending an event, making contact with your network or providing value to others. Once you're in a good "rut" with that, add something new. Besides attending events, the next most valuable activity is developing a system and a habit for follow up.

Using willpower and brute force to get yourself to network is direct, unsubtle and usually doomed to failure. Try the seemingly smaller, but more powerful because they can be done. They work with our own personal tendencies and don't depend on the scientifically proven to be finite pool of willpower.