A Network of Standards

"It's very important to build a network," we are told, and social media makes it very easy to do so. We can connect so that our base of contacts is wide and numerous.

Okay. That takes care of quantity. But what about quality?

A motivational speaker named Jim Rohn famously said that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.

What does that statement say about our network?

Parents (including mine) tell their children, "You are judged by the company you keep." With that and Mr. Rohn’s comment in mind, you might think about the value of having standards in your network.

Your outer circle of contacts is likely LinkedIn. Your outer circle of friends is likely Facebook. On your iPhone, it's Contacts. Qualifications and minimum standards for inclusion in these areas is likely this: Do you have an email, phone number, and/or pulse?

But as they say, a friend helps you move a couch but a good friend helps you move a body. It is from this group that your "average of five" originates. As such, raise your standards.

Every referral that you make is a reflection upon you. Consider things like character and integrity before you pass along information and lend your name.

And think before you hit "Accept."

Additional free content can be found at sales.epicomm.org. Contact Bill at (781) 934-7036 or bfarquharson@epicomm.org. In addition, if you’d like to talk about your sales challenges, book time on Bill’s calendar here: www.meetme.so/BillFarquharson