Making Connections For Members of Your Network

How often do you sit with one of your contacts and discuss what it is they actually do? What I have noticed is that after having a one to one discussion with a contact, I find out more about their business than I ever would have at a networking event.

I had the opportunity recently to sit down in a local coffee shop with Deborah Flate of Dialogue Consulting. I've known Deborah for a few months now and have seen and spoken to her at several C.H.I.P.s events. I just realized, however that I never had a true grasp of what she does. Deborah runs a consulting firm that I originally thought targeted Interior Designers, maybe because I knew that she has a strong Interior Design background. While some of her services and workshops do target designers, what I found out was that her main clients are actually suppliers to the Interior Design community. Furniture & textile manufacturers, fabric suppliers, flooring suppliers, etc.

So my question to you is when was the last time you asked those in your network "What type of clients do you look for"? For even more clarity, I followed that question up with "What are some of your recent clients?" These simple questions will give you a better idea of what type of connections you can help make. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to look through my contact list and see who I can connect with Deborah, and who I should meet with next.

This post by Israel Retana. Israel is the founder of C.H.I.P.s and 2ndgeneration craftsman at Retana Cabinet Works , where they've been specializing in custom cabinetry and antique furniture restoration for nearly 30 years. He can be followed on twitter (iretana), friendedonFaceBook , connected with on Linkedin, or contacted atisrael@retanacabinetworks.com