One of the most valuable networking tools you can use is an infographic. Kelly Hoey of WIM says she wouldn’t have been so successful without diverse relationships. The figure shows her infographic indicating the relationship to organizations and people critical for the success of her organization.
You can use Post-it notes on the wall, a mind-mapping program, or a free infographic program, but get it down.
President Lyndon Johnson kept communication channels open with senators and representatives. He knew his success with Congress required good relationships and kept this as a priority. He kept big maps on his wall that had the following information:
Where each bill was in committee
What stage the bill was at
What needed to happen for the bill to reach the next stage
He called individual congressmen, who could be obstacles at any stage, helped them understand how important this was to him, and promised whatever needed to get it through.
Keep in mind these words by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: “Skill is fine, and genius is splendid, but the right contacts are more valuable than either.”