For the week of February 20:

Make Connections Count

When times were slow during the Great Recession, I decided to spend a few hours a day making introductions and connections. I figured out that doing something positive brightened my day while contributing to my karmic bank account.

The most successful people I’ve profiled through the years are extremely good about maintaining and cultivating personal relationships. They enjoy picking up the phone or sending an email to make an introduction or connection. It’s all reciprocal: when they need to hire someone or find a new supplier or consultant, they know who to call for advice.

Since people are always asking me for introductions, here are a few tips to consider:

1. If a friend of a friend asks you make an introduction on behalf of someone you don’t know, do some homework. Check them out on Google or visit their website to review their bio and background.

2. Always ask the person you want to contact if they are open to meeting new people. Never make an introduction without their permission.

3. Be clear that once you make the connection, you are bowing out. I appreciate when the people involved circle back to tell me what happens, but I don’t want to know all the details.

4. If you are reluctant to make a connection-don’t. It’s better to say no than regret doing it.

Jane Applegate is one of America's most respected small business management experts. She's the host of Tech Essentials, a new online, on demand talk show at www.myfirstserver.com. She's the author of four books, including 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business. Applegate is an award-winning writer and producer. The Applegate Group Inc., is a multimedia production, consulting and communications company focusing exclusively on serving the entrepreneurial market. Clients include: Microsoft, Bloomberg and Cox Business. For more info visit: www.theapplegategroup.com.