Networking & Career / Maintaining Your Network / Lesson 11

LESSON 11 · MAINTAINING YOUR NETWORK

Meet One New Person a Month

Eighteen easy tips to meet one new person a month, so your network keeps growing without stress.

One a month is plenty. New people bring new ideas.

24 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

24 tips that really help

These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), Give and Take (Adam Grant), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why one a month

A small goal is easy to keep. Over a year you will know twelve new people.

TRY THIS
Start now.

TIP 2

Put it in your calendar

Choose a day each month. A date turns a wish into a plan.

TRY THIS
Pick a date.

TIP 3

Choose where to meet people

Groups, classes and events are great. Pick one place.

TRY THIS
Pick a place.

TIP 4

Ask friends for introductions

Friends can connect you to people you may like. Ask kindly.

TRY THIS
Ask a friend.

TIP 5

Join a new group

Try a new class or meetup. New places bring new faces.

TRY THIS
Join one.

TIP 6

Say hello first

Be the first to start a chat. Most people are glad.

TRY THIS
Say hello.

TIP 7

Ask a good question

Ask about their work or hobbies. Curiosity opens doors.

TRY THIS
Ask one.

TIP 8

Follow up kindly

Send a short note after you meet. A follow-up turns a hello into a link.

TRY THIS
Follow up.

TIP 9

Script: planning

This month I will meet one new person. Say it firmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: starting

Hi, I am Sam, what brought you here today? Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 11

Script: follow-up

It was lovely to meet you, I would love to keep in touch. Say it kindly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: aiming for too many

Big goals cause stress, so keep it small.

TRY THIS
Keep small.

TIP 13

Mistake: forgetting to follow up

A hello without follow-up fades, so follow up.

TRY THIS
Follow up.

TIP 14

Troubleshoot: when you feel shy

Attend a small group and aim to meet one person only. Small is brave.

TRY THIS
Aim small.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when you miss a month

Do not worry, simply double up next month or restart. Be kind.

TRY THIS
Restart.

TIP 16

Drill: choose this month’s event

Pick one event or group for this month and sign up.

TRY THIS
Sign up.

TIP 17

Drill: track your year

Make a simple list of twelve slots and fill them as you go.

TRY THIS
Make a list.

TIP 18

Say yes to one invitation a month

Invitations are chances. Say yes more often.

TRY THIS
Say yes.

TIP 19

Be curious about different fields

People outside your field bring fresh ideas.

TRY THIS
Talk to someone different.

TIP 20

Example: the pottery class

Lena joined a pottery class and met a nurse, a teacher and a lawyer.

TRY THIS
Join a class.

TIP 21

Example: the volunteer day

Ben volunteered and met people who later offered him work.

TRY THIS
Volunteer.

TIP 22

Troubleshoot: when you feel awkward meeting new people

Start with one question and one smile.

TRY THIS
Start small.

TIP 23

Drill: choose this month’s new person

Pick a goal and put it in your calendar.

TRY THIS
Plan it.

TIP 24

Remember the story behind a new connection

Writing a line about how you met each new person gives you a warm opener for your next message.

TRY THIS
Write the story.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

PLAN

“I will meet one new person this month.”

ASK

“Would you like to chat?”

SOURCE

“I met you through this group.”

LEARN

“I would like to learn from you.”

THANKS

“Thank you for your time.”

CLOSE

“Let us keep in touch.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Set the goal

DAY 2
Find a place

DAY 3
Say hello

DAY 4
Ask a question

DAY 5
Follow up

DAY 6
Add to your list

DAY 7
Celebrate

Further reading

• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• Give and Take (Adam Grant)
• Platonic (Marisa Franco)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.