Organize Your Network

All your contacts won't do you any good unless you organize them. Think about how all this information will be most helpful to you. There are many computer programs that can be used for this purpose. Or, a simple way to do this is to use a multiple-rolodex system. The one on top of your desk is for current, frequently used contacts. A second business-card file is for people you want access to, but know you won't be speaking with more often than once or twice a year. An optional third file can be for the "old-timers", people you haven't contacted in a year or more.

You can also organize your network on color-coded or alphabetized index cards, categorizing your contacts and keeping track of the calls you make to each. Give your network a checkout at least once a year. Weed out and reorganize your card files, rolodexes, and address books. Keep your list of current and active contacts close at hand. Don't discard old contacts; you can always reconnect with them.