How to Build and Monetize a Network in 90 Days from Scratch
Uncovering the 90-Day Blueprint: A Slightly Cheeky Investigation
In the wild jungle of networking, where LinkedIn invites are the new jungle drums and coffee chats are the tribal rituals, building a profitable network from scratch in just 90 days might sound like a tall tale told by a seasoned explorer with a flair for exaggeration. But fear not—I’ve donned my investigative reporter hat (complete with a feather for dramatic effect) to dig into a strategy that’s less “snake oil” and more “practical playbook.” Let’s peel back the layers with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of hustle.
Step 1: Launch Your Very Own Soapbox—er, Platform
First things first: you need a stage to strut your stuff. Start a podcast, a newsletter, or even a quirky digital magazine. Think of it as your personal megaphone in a world of muted microphones. Whether it’s recording “The Hustle Hour” or typing up “The Weekly Wit,” this platform is your ticket to being seen. Bonus points if you can make it entertaining—maybe throw in a pun or two about “networking knots” to keep your audience chuckling.
Step 2: Hunt Down the Big Fish (Politely)
With your platform humming, it’s time to schedule interviews with the movers, shakers, and business owners who make the industry tick. Picture yourself as a detective with a recorder, tracking down influencers who’ve eluded your inbox for years. Send a polite “Hey, I’d love your wisdom!” email, and watch as some of these elusive unicorns actually say yes—because who can resist a chance to talk about themselves on your shiny new stage?
Step 3: Turn Listeners into Leads
Here’s where the magic happens: use your platform to build an email list or newsletter subscription base. Every podcast download or article read is a potential fan in your corner. Offer a free e-book titled “10 Secrets to Not Messing Up Your Network” or a cheeky quiz like “Are You a Networking Ninja?” to lure them in. Before you know it, you’ll have a growing tribe—minus the tribal war paint.
Step 4: Slip in the Soft Sell (With a Freebie Twist)
After each interview, channel your inner diplomat. Casually ask your guest if they’d be open to chatting about your services—no hard sell, just a gentle nudge. Sweeten the deal with a free offer: an evaluation, an audit, or a quick assessment. Think of it as a networking appetizer—people need to see you in action, like a chef plating a sample dish. If they like your vibe (and your freebie isn’t a dud), they might just bite.
Step 5: Seal the Deal with a Trust-Building Finale
Deliver that free offer with flair. If you’re good at what you do—and let’s assume you are, because you’re reading this—you’ll wow them with your expertise. Then, see if they’re game for the next step. This isn’t a pressure cooker; it’s a slow simmer. The payoff? A trust-forged network, access to influencers who once ignored your cold emails, and—drumroll, please—your first handful of paying clients.
Why This Works: The Investigator’s Verdict
This approach isn’t just a hunch—it’s a strategy rooted in human psychology. People need to see you in action to trust you, like a detective earning a witness’s confidence. By showcasing your skills and building rapport, you’re not just networking; you’re architecting a reputation. In 90 days, you could go from zero to hero, with a network that pays dividends—literally.
So, grab your recorder, polish your pitch, and let’s get networking. The jungle’s waiting, and I’ve got a hunch you’ll conquer it—with a laugh or two along the way.
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Corporate Exec Turned Entrepreneur | Franchise Consultant, Helping Others Do the Same | Owned Six Prosperous Franchises | Leveraging Decades of Experience, Guiding People to Franchise Ownership | Shareholder @ FranChoice
1moThat 90-day turnaround is bold. What kept you motivated early on Tom McKeown?
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2moGreat job articulating your insights for people pivoting in their careers! I’m all for the "show me, don’t tell me" approach when it comes to building reputation — and I couldn’t agree more with the value of a "slow simmer" over a "pressure cooker" when it comes to relationships, especially when combined with a growth and win-win mindset (though I’ll admit, I do love my InstantPot for actual cooking!) 😁