A college play-by-play job opened. A broadcaster wanting to apply told me, “I worked with a guy who is close with the hiring manager at the university.” I replied, “That’s awesome! It’s terrific to have an ‘in.'”
Then he dropped the bomb.
“I haven’t been in touch with this guy for a year and a half. Should I still ask for his help?”
This guy missed the boat. Don’t wait until you need a friend before building a friendship.
Make time to stay in touch
Here’s a story about how to build relationships that will help your sports broadcasting career.
I attended a conference — 500 people gathered in a big ballroom. The speaker asked, “If you lost your job today, who would be 10 people you would contact for help?” He instructed everyone in the audience to write down the 10 names. Then he said, “Ask yourself, how long has it been since you’ve been in touch with each of them?”
There were murmurs throughout the crowd as most folks realized it had been a while.
Next, the speaker said, “Take your phones off silence and turn up the volume. I want you to text each of the 10 people. In your own words, tell them, ‘I’m thinking of you. How are you?'”
People started doing that. What happened was very cool. Almost instantly, you started hearing, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, from across the ballroom. The people these folks had not been in touch with for some time started eagerly replying, glad to hear from their friends.
Stay in touch with people.
Dig your well before you need water
Here is my challenge to you:
After you finish reading this post, make your list of 10. Send a quick text to them, just say hello. Set aside 30 minutes once per month to stay in touch with them so when you need water, you’ve already dug the well.
Please let me know in the comments section below how many folks you hear back from!