Time Management and Networking

Remember the old adage called the “80/20 rule”. Well that principle came from Vilfredo Pareto, a 19th century Italian social critic. He observed that 80% of the land and wealth in the country was concentrated in 20% of the population. Therefore, he surmised that 80% of the power and influence was concentrated in the 20% who were land owners and decision makers.

Today the Pareto Principle is still alive and well, I would give you this definition in reference to your networking.

“20% of your contacts will give you 80% of your production if you spend your time and energy on the right 20%”.

Certainly today in America, far more then 20% of the population own property, but there is still a group of Americans who leverage much of the influence in any organization. These are the deal makers, the master negotiators and the leaders of the organization. They understand this principle and have leveraged their time and focus on the right 20%.

How can you leverage your time and talents to be a wise steward of your time in networking? This principle can be applied to evaluating the contacts you make in your networking efforts. The Pareto Principle suggests that we should pay attention to, and focus our efforts on, the critical few (the 20%) rather then every contact we make. The key question for you is to determine what the right 20%?

Let me suggest you evaluate your contacts using the following criteria.

1. First, will they call me back in a timely manner? Did they call me, email me or contact me when they said they would?
2. How do I feel when I talk to them? Encouraged and energized or discouraged and drained?
3. What do I get from them? Good feedback and positive suggestions or criticism?
4. Will they be willing to make time for me? Will they schedule a latte to talk or agree to make a call or send an email?

Learn to manage your time like a true leader. Continually evaluate your time and your contacts, use both wisely. The right 20% is the key to your future job; start asking the right people the right questions.

Gary Hansen is a career coach in Denver and the founder of Inspired Calling. He is an experienced HR professional with over 20 years in the field, most recently with Promise Keeper Men’s Ministry. Gary has a simple vision: everyone needs Jesus and a job. Learn more at www.inspiredcalling.com.