“Your Network is your Net-Worth.”
I mean what’s the point of building connections if you’re not going to use them?
When we decided to expand K&J in NZ, I went back to the strategy I used when I first started business…
I contacted almost every contact I had.
Here’s exactly how I did it, step by step, so you can do the same.
Step 1: I Exported My Contacts
First, I exported all my contacts from Gmail. Whether you use Gmail, Outlook, or another platform, this is the easiest way to get a clear picture of who’s in your network. It’s like taking inventory of your relationships.
Step 2: I Sorted My Contacts into Three Groups
I sorted my contacts into three categories using Google Sheets (Excel works too):
Cold: People I hadn’t spoken to in a few months.
Warm: Those I’d connected with in the last month or so.
Gold: My inner circle—people I talk to regularly.
I started with my gold contacts because they’re the ones most likely to help me out. These are the people who already know, like, and trust me, so they’re the low-hanging fruit.
Step 3: I Drafted My Outreach Email
I didn’t want to spend hours writing emails, so I used ChatGPT to draft a casual, friendly message. My prompt was something like:
“Write a conversational email wishing someone a happy new year and asking for referrals to people in their network who might need digital marketing services.”
Step 4: I Personalised the Pitch
I tweaked the AI-generated email to make it sound like me. I added personal touches—like referencing a recent conversation or something specific about their business. Here’s an example of what I sent:
Subject: Happy New Year! Quick Favor?
Hi [Name],
Happy New Year! Hope 2024 is off to a great start for you.
I’m reaching out because we’re expanding K&J Growth here in NZ and looking to connect with businesses that could benefit from our digital marketing services. Do you know anyone in your network who might be a good fit?
No pressure at all—just thought I’d ask since you’ve got such a great circle of contacts.
Cheers,
Kale
And that’s it!
Notes:
Start with Your Gold List:
These are your closest connections, so they’re most likely to respond and help.
Be Specific:
Make it clear what you’re asking for. Vague requests rarely get results.
Personalise:
Tailor your intro to each contact. A little effort goes a long way in making your email feel genuine.
The Results
The response was incredible. Not only did I reconnect with old contacts, but I also received several high-quality referrals. It was a reminder that most people are happy to help—you just have to ask.
Why This Strategy Works
Asking for help can feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the easiest ways to generate leads and build momentum. Your network is a goldmine of opportunities, and with a little effort, you can turn those connections into tangible results.
Ready to Tap Into Your Network?
If you’re looking to grow your business or expand into new markets, start with the people you already know. You might be surprised at how willing they are to lend a hand.
If you’re looking for ways to get in front of the right people, get in touch with us at K&J Growth so we can get your name out there.
Contact us here: K&J Growth
For more insights and tips, connect with us on LinkedIn: K&J Growth
Make sure to check out our Co-founder on LinkedIn too: Kale Panoho
