At first glance, time management might seem like an odd “skillset” to talk about for networking. Afterall, the meetings typically have a set time and even the “coffee” meetings are usually set up in advance in increments of 15 minutes. That’s actually the point. There are two main points to your time management skills needed to really build credibility within a group or another person.
1. Time block the meeting
If you go to a regular meeting like the Chamber Thursday, or a BNI group, or anything else, you will want to make it a standing appointment on your calendar. I really want to hammer home that you need to make this a real appointment. Too many times I’ve seen business owners say they want to to network and build relationships and then they don’t show up to an event where the other referral partners are waiting and counting on them. Furthermore, you are losing mindshare when you don’t show up.
Think about it this way, every week you get to make an impression or a “touch.” If you miss that opportunity, especially in an open networking meeting setting then you are going to miss that opportunity and open the door for someone else. This is especially true if you do not have a deep relationship with the people in the “group.”
2. Be True to the time you have scheduled
As important as it is for you to be on time and present for the meetings. It’s just as important for you to wrap up any meetings you set with others. This shows you respect their time, especially if the conversation is one-sided. You wouldn’t want to go over your time if you were on a sales call and you wouldn’t want someone else to go over their time, so don’t do it here even if it’s tempting.
In the end, time management skills are necessary in sales or being an entrepreneur, and they are absolutely essential to build your credibility with people.
