Finish "I'm investing in my relationships because ___." If that answer wouldn't get you to send a message on a busy Tuesday, it's a should.
The idea
Our sales team had a party trick nobody wanted. They'd ask a new customer "Why did you sign up?" and predict with unsettling accuracy who'd still be around in three months. People with a real answer ("I want more referrals," "I'm raising money") stayed. The ones who shrugged and said "I'm just trying to build my network" were gone within weeks. They didn't have a why, only a should, and shoulds have no deadline and nobody checking in, so they get kicked down the road.
How to do it
Finish the sentence: "I'm investing in my relationships right now because ___."
Picture a random Tuesday afternoon with a full to-do list. Would that reason get you to send one message? If not, it's a should.
If the answer is "to build my network," push harder: a network for what? A job, clients, a future cofounder?
Act on it once, today. Think of one person connected to your why and say hi.
Example
Even I needed a why to open my own CRM. These days mine is nurturing a kitchen cabinet of amazing people I can tap for advice, ideas and inspiration, people who expand my thinking and might build something with me someday.
Start With Why - Set Your Relationship Goals: Before building any system, decide what you want from your relationships and why. Opportunities, retention, referrals, a brand, or simply feeling good.
The Kitchen Cabinet: Beyond business-relevant contacts, make sure your network includes a professional contrarian, an industry oracle and a universal connector.
Falling Off the Wagon: When you lapse, give yourself grace, drop the backlog, and restart right away with one tiny action, like a single email.
Most People Won't: Fear keeps most people from reaching out at all, so simply doing it puts you ahead. Their fear is your competitive advantage.