Don't watch the clock. Do what it does. Keep going. -Sam Levenson

Have you ever found yourself in a networking slump?

I have, many times.

A few years ago I found myself becoming a little bit resentful towards the people in one of my networking groups and had a general bad attitude for a few months.

One week I remembered what my good friend Danielle Baily told me. There are three things that I can control- my thoughts, my actions, and my time, and not much else.

I took a look at my general attitude and asked myself the tough questions that needed to be asked.

Was I approachable?

If others were not talking to me as often as I'd liked, what was to stop me from going up to those people and talking to them?

It was only bad attitude that kept me from getting the most out of my networking.

I had a decision to make; either change my attitude or leave the group.

I ended up changing my attitude and stepping into a leadership role. This was a tremendous move for me.

Now I was responsible for how others felt when they walked into the room. I didn't have time to focus on myself, because I needed to focus on giving the group a great meeting experience.

It was after I stepped into that leadership role that I found myself enjoying the group again.

If you're stuck in a networking slump, try these three tips to re-energize your routine.

Become More Active

Ask what more you can do to make the group run more smoothly. Step up into a leadership role. A good leader's focus is outward, the perfect mind set shift that can turn your slump into intention and excitement. Often when we lead, details that were insignificant are now our important responsibilities.

Do others know when/where the meeting is taking place?

Are there speakers, and are the speaker spots filled?

Is the venue confirmed?

How are people greeted when they first arrive?

Is there follow up that happens, and if so, who is designated to send the follow up emails?

Many of these questions might become yours to answer once you take on a leadership role. Do this job well and know, "as sure as the world", as my dad used to say, that you are building rapport with the people in your group.

Set Up Three Way Lunches

I've been doing more of this lately and it's energizing. Choose two people who you know, that don't know each other but would benefit from knowing each other, and invite them to a three way lunch.

Become the ultimate connector. You might be the key to helping two people build a strong business relationship that leads to endless rewards through collaboration or new connections. Both parties will have you to thank.

These three way meetings take a lot of effort to set up, which again forces you to think about others instead of yourself.

Look for Other Events to Invite Your Networking Friends To

Did you find a great conference or workshop? Instead of keeping it to yourself, register and then send the link to four or five people who might also benefit from attending.

Be a resource for your network! I can't stress this enough.

Be the person who serves, who gives, and who intentionally builds the businesses of others. You'll be so busy working for others to notice that your slump is gone, until one day you look up and you realize networking is fun again!

Go network my friend, and remember:

A slump is nothing to fear. Focus on serving, to send your slump packing.

The Networker's Tour Guide, Faithann Basore, and her husband Dave have owned Window Cleaning Plus (WCP) for 10 years. Growing WCP through networking has given Faithann the desire to guide other small business owners through the networking terrain so they can feel comfortable and build long lasting relationships in their business.

Got networking questions? Email me at [email protected].