***After you read this post, be sure to visit me at my new home here.***
A common misconception in business is that when someone needs your product or service (or knows someone who does), they will remember that they've talked to you, pick up the phone and make the referral or introduction. That is, assuming of course, that they still have your contact information. They may remember meeting you, yet if you haven't stayed in touch, they won't be able to recall your name and you will most likely lose out on their business or referral.
You must take control of your business relationships the way you take control of your personal relationships. In personal relationships, when a man picks "the woman," he intentionally develops that relationship. He starts with coffee, then lunch, then dinner, then a weekend away, etc. He keeps asking until he gets the yes, and the relationship (or not). The same holds true in business, except in business everyone is the man. If there's a relationship you want to develop, regardless of your gender, take control and be in touch consistently. The goal is to cross the bridge from friendly to client to friend as quickly as possible.
