The Right Way to Get a Favor

By Andrea Nierenberg

Many people, when they need a favor, frantically call long-forgotten contacts and ask for, or even demand, help. Asking for favors, if done wrong, can strain or even break a relationship. Effective networking is the proactive solution.

If you think ahead and network well, asking for a favor can be an easy, natural thing to do. Sometimes you may find that you don't even need to ask! Here are a few easy ways to maintain your relationships so that favors come easily. It all comes down to some basic organization strategies:

• Keep track of your contacts whichever way works best for you. You can use computer databases, PDA's or even index cards.
• Keep track of birthdays, anniversaries and other miscellaneous information.
• Know your contacts' needs, such as information, jobs and other contacts.
• Keep in touch.
• Review your contact list regularly and make a follow-up plan.
• Send notes and cards on occasions such as birthdays and holidays.
• Regularly call and set up lunch meetings or dinner appointments.
• Nurture mutually beneficial relationships.
• Send any helpful information to your contacts.
• Connect your contacts with others who can help them.
• Use your skills to help others.

Whether the favor you need is information, a job referral, technical help or even more clients, the best solution is a strong network. If you care for your network of friends, colleagues and acquaintances, it will be your best resource. Most importantly, always remember to say thank you with an e-mail, a hand-written note or a gift.

You can learn more at these AMA seminars:

• Women in Business: Strategies for Success
• Building Better Work Relationships

AMA On-site: Every one of AMA's 170+ public seminars can be delivered on-site. This flexible, money-saving option allows you to train ten or more people, when and where you choose, at a low cost per participant.

Author Bio: Andrea Nierenberg heads The Nierenberg Group, a business consulting firm based in New York. She writes a weekly column for Fortune Small Business On-Line and is the author of Non-Stop Networking—How to Improve Your Life, Luck and Career (Capital Books, 2002) and the upcoming Million Dollar Networking: The Sure Guide to Find, Keep and Grow Your Business (Spring 2005). Contact her at andrean@selfmarketing.com.