We all have to master the art of the nudge because “nudging is necessary in networking.”
When someone promises to help you out in networking (perhaps connecting you to someone else), they may need a gentle reminder to actually act on their promise and get it done.
No one sets out to be unreliable, but life has a way of getting in the way and we have all become overly distracted (especially with all of these fancy electronic devices at our disposal). Dropping the ball on our promises is one of the pitfalls in networking.
All of us need to be nudged from time to time to remind us of what we need to do…including what we promised you.
You can help people to help you achieve your networking goals if you learn to effectively nudge. However, you must avoid becoming a nudge. Check out these two definition sources: The word “nudge” can be used both as a verb and as a noun.
Source: Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary
Definition of NUDGE as a transitive verb
1. to touch or push gently; especially : to seek the attention of by a push of the elbow
2. to prod lightly : urge into action
Source: Yiddish on-line dictionary
Definition of NUDGE as a noun
1. nudge (American Jewish) a boring person; a pesty person, a badgering person
2. nudnik (American Jewish), pest, bore, dull person
Nudging is essentially follow-up. It is the one of the distinguishing skill sets of an effective networker, and also a successful person. You can read about follow-up in the book Networking Ahead for Business by Kathy McAfee (Kiwi Publising) in chapter 10 “Drive an Automatic: how to systematize your networking follow-up.”)
Your Networking GOAL this week
Nudge someone from your network this week. Pick up the phone, send an email, approach them in person. Check in and inquire with them how they are coming along on the networking promise/offer they made to you in the past. (for ideas on HOW to nudge on the telephone, over email and in person, click here to read my article posted on HUB Pages.) Help them to help you by making this a positive and effective nudge experience for both parties. Go on, nudge someone today.
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photo credit of NudgeMe! image found at http://nudge.me.uk/
