Steps to Networking – Step 23: Identify hurdles

STEP 23: Identify hurdles

Before you begin to network, examine possible roadblocks that could block or delay your success. At each networking stage, anticipate what could derail your efforts or prevent you from reaching your goal. List all that could go wrong. For example, before you call a potential target, plan what you would do if he/she refuses to take your call. Should you send a note, email or sit on his/her doorstep? Should you ask another network contact to call or should you just abandon your efforts and your attention to another target.

Identifying possible hurdles enables you to easily handle many of them when they arise. It also can alert you to problems or insurmountable flaws in your plans before you’ve spent time, effort and energy or embarrassed yourself. Anticipating obstacles can also force you to develop more realistic or more feasible strategies. Finally, it can help you determine what additional assistance you may need and how much that assistance is worth to you.

(Excerpted from NETWORKING MAGIC: Making Connections That Will Change Your Life By Rick Frishman and Jill Lublin With Mark Steisel)