It has only happened to me maybe twice in 7 years of active networking: being stood up or standing someone up.
It happens to us all: we forget to put an appointment in our calendars (either electronic or paper); forget to confirm the night before or the morning of the meeting; get lost on the way and not call.
It is vitally important to your reputation as a networker to keep appoints you’ve made. If you forget this fundamental step, all the backpedaling in the world can’t undo this first impression (particularly if it is someone you haven’t met face-to-face before). Try this tips:
- When you make the contact by e-mail, phone, text or in person, put a placeholder in your calendar. Once you confirm it, fill it in. If you have Outlook, send a meeting notice.
- Call or write the night before or the morning of to confirm the meeting.
- If you are running late, call your appointment’s cell to tell them. You did remember their cell number, right?
So, REMEMBER appointments and meetings–your network depends on them.
Relentless
