Time and time again I refer to building our network as a “courtship”.

To that end, how crazy would it be for us to disappear from that courtship,  for a large block of time, and then reappear only to go for the proposal?

Kind of crazy, huh?

That’s how people feel when you reappear only to ask them a favor!

It goes up a notch on the “shallow scale” when you reappear and pretend as if you interested in the other party.

There’s nothing wrong in asking people for help . . .

I just think there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.

Pretending to care should not be on your “Things to do” list.

Instead . . . work that courtship!

Give . . . not because you expect something . . . but because it’s the right thing to do.

Time Out . . .

This is yet another reason why we have to keep “showing up”.

Its another reason why we should be building our networks  . . . BEFORE we need them!

Why?

So that when you do need your network (and you will someday) . . . you don’t look like a flake!

Now should you have been dealt a really crappy hand and need to ask of your network before you can first give . . .

Lay your cards out

Remember your manners

Be real

And speaking of real . . . we all need to ask somebody for something sooner or later.

I know I feel funny asking for things so perhaps you do too.

Just be mindful of reappearing only because you need something.

Working on our courtships is a full time effort.

A bad pick up line doesn’t qualify!

Happy “Courting”

FYI: I think there’s way too much emphasis on the tools and technology that compromises Social Networking . . . That’s why I created the webinar “Networking Socially Through Linkedin” It’s only 45 minutes and there will be a handy dandy recording of the event if the timing doesn’t work for you. Click here and let’s make you lethal at this stuff!