Dear Ellie: “I consider myself a real `networker’ or, in your words, I create `circles of coincidence.’ Any tips you can give to someone who is already in the championship game as a means of increasing its effectiveness?”
Those of us who have been practicing championship, either deliberately or not, know that there are a number of things to think about in effectively applying our championship plan to our career or in building our own business.
Keep your champions happy: As with any target audience, in communicating with your various champions, it is essential to assess the kind of information and mode of communication that suit each individual. Then take the time to customize your messages accordingly.
The best way to begin a championship is to set out the terms of engagement–explain what you are looking for, find out what they want out of the championship, and then commit to communicating in the mode they request.
For example, some of my champions want to communicate with me only by regular update e-mails–short and to the point.
Others enjoy lunch on a spontaneous basis and are interested in the details of the business I am building. Regardless of what mode of communication they ask for, I emphasize three things: clarity, cachet and a fun quotient.
Evolve through champions: As you grow through your various career or entrepreneurial challenges, you necessarily add skills, discover attributes you never knew you had, and evolve your own brand. As you build relationships, you will necessarily have to grow out of championships.
For example, an associate of mine who runs a public-relations firm described a championship he had built with a customer since the company’s inception.
As his company increased in revenue, size and scope of services, he found that this particular customer was valuable in the context of their contractual relationship, but that as a champion this executive could not see him for what he had become.
Instead, he kept defining my associate as he used to be when he first started the business. Ultimately this limited image began to hinder the PR entrepreneur in building his business effectively and moving into new territories. Eventually, he had to evolve out of the championship although he maintained an excellent client/supplier relationship.
Do not be afraid to let go when it is time to leave a championship behind and find one that is more relevant.
Become a champion for others: There is no better way to understand what it takes to find and develop effective championships than to become a champion for others. By creating “circles of coincidence” for others, you will see what works in creating a championship, using communication tactics, and helping someone create a brand.
Whether you become a mentor through a formal program offered through various industry associations and/or assist someone you meet through an e-mail relationship or work with a student who is just entering the job market, I guarantee that you will find it a rewarding experience.
But don’t agree to be someone’s champion if you cannot commit the necessary time and attention. Otherwise you will both be disappointed.
