Imagine you’re building a house. You start with a strong foundation, then carefully lay each brick, one by one, until you have a sturdy structure that can weather any storm. Building a strong professional network follows a similar principle. Just like a house, your network requires a solid base and consistent effort to maintain its strength. This is where the 12x12x12 method comes into play.
The 12x12x12 method is a powerful networking strategy that involves connecting with 12 people, engaging with them 12 times over 12 months. This approach is like planting 12 seeds, nurturing them with 12 doses of water and sunlight, and watching them grow into 12 beautiful, thriving plants over the course of a year.
As the renowned entrepreneur and author Jim Rohn once said, “Your network is your net worth.” By investing time and effort into building genuine relationships with others in your field, you’re not only expanding your professional circle but also increasing your value as a professional.
Now, let’s break down the 12x12x12 method:
- Choose 12 people: Select 12 individuals who are relevant to your career goals. They could be industry leaders, mentors, colleagues, or even people you admire from afar.
- Engage 12 times: Over the next 12 months, make an effort to engage with each of these 12 people at least once a month. This could be through coffee meetings, email exchanges, social media interactions, or attending the same events.
- Nurture for 12 months: Consistently nurture these relationships over the course of a year. Show genuine interest in their work, offer help when you can, and stay top-of-mind by sharing relevant articles or insights.
By following the 12x12x12 method, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your network grows and strengthens. You’ll have a solid group of 12 people who know, like, and trust you – and who can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable advice, and support you throughout your career journey.
Remember, networking isn’t about collecting business cards or adding LinkedIn connections. It’s about building authentic, mutually beneficial relationships. So, start planting those seeds today, nurture them with care, and watch your career flourish like never before!
Maverick 