“Ask Keith” Video: How Do You Balance Networking and Managing Your Biz?

Posted on December 6th, 2011 by Keith Ferrazzi

I was asked the question:

"What have your challenges been when attempting to balance between networking and managing your business?"

Watch my answer and share your own tips for balancing your life.

Send a trackback!
9 comments // In Time Management
Bookmark and Share
« Previous Post Next Post »

9 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

  1. Keith, I wholeheartedly agree with you about the blending of your networking with managing your business. Thanks, Laura

  2. Keith I don't get the point when you say that friends and family can be participated in a meeting with clients and that helps you achieve your business goal... How could it happen?

  3. Nice technique! I also agree with your general assessment on balance. It's not possible and discouraging for people to try. I use the metaphor with clients of keeping plates spinning on the end of sticks, the old circus trick. That's our life. We get our plates up and going and when one begins to falter, we focus on that and get it back spinning and then deal with the next one, and the next and so on. But don't expect them all to stay spinning! And we deal with life's challenges the same way.

  4. Patrick McGinn says:
    December 7, 2011 at 10:52 pm
    Reply

    Keith, just finished your book and the chapter on balance being overrated. The idea of seeing networking as something that combines aspects of your life that are interesting and important to you resonates with me.

    Connecting people, entertaining yourself and others, learning, and growing your business and your circle of friends at the same time sounds like a great plan.

    Congratulations on your success and looking forward to your next book!

  5. I often hear "Gosh - I network so much, I barely have time to work!" Good stuff, Keith! I'm passing it on!

  6. Keith, I like this philosophy.
    I'm learning to be in flow. There are times when things get very busy and I surrender to that and as soon as I feel life get out of balance or that I'm noticing underlying resentment about how I'm using my time, then I slow down and get reconnected to my core values and make sure that my actions are aligned with them.
    I also check in first before committing to go to a networking event. Do I like the message and purpose of the event? Am I going because I want to or because I think I "should" be there? Any feeling of "should" or "obligation" confirms that I'm not going to go, even if it looks like a good opportunity. Recently, I chose to go to Disneyland with my family instead of attending a big networking event that I had a free ticket to. I know I can't give to my relationships, if I don't give to myself first.

  7. A note about balance. Do not necessarily think of balance as equal size, equal amount of time, equal amount of money. Think of balance as giving it the time or resources it needs. Not more. Not less. Not excess.

    Ex. One area of life--health or wealth--may legitimately need more attention. You're not well today for example. You should take some time off from work. Just don't obsess about it.

    Don't have what to do on the weekend? What do you do? Work some more? Have some fun? Get a new hobby? Make a new friend? Get it?

Leave a Reply