Networking Gnomes

A friend of mine who I believe to be intelligent, classy, sophisticated and wise, has a thing for gnomes. Yes, gnomes. Those plaster of paris, red-hatted garden statues that just scream for smashing. But she loves them. So what do I do? I keep sending her gnome cards, gnome cartoons, gnome references. I think the whole thing is HYSTERICALLY funny, and thank goodness, so does she.

What does this have to do with networking? If you want to build a stronger relationship with someone and stay top-of-mind, find something they are crazy about and then send them snippets. If they like dogs, put a dog sticker on the envelope with their invoice. If they are wild about the Green Bay Packers, forward them a picture of a Green Bay logo on a garage door (okay, you kind of have to live in Wisconsin for this one, but you get the idea). Anything that says “I know you like this stuff and even if I don’t get it, I like you and am thinking about you”.

In marketing it is said that you need to touch someone 7 times before they pay attention - but adding a Gnome cartoon to a letter of introduction might just be the way you can open that door faster. But not with me….they creep me out!