Help me, help you!

It had to happen eventually. My Editor asked for the obligatory Time Management and "improving your productivity" article. Now, don't misunderstand, I believe that improving one's productivity, especially if you are in Job-Search mode, is very important, no question. My hesitation with this topic is that it is difficult to find new and useful tips that will be interesting to the reader. Then it came to me. Let's approach the issue from a different perspective. Think of becoming more productive and professional by helping others maintain their productivity. Too often we don't give enough thought to the needs of other people; especially the value of their time.
Early in my career I had the opportunity to help jump-start the career of a Real Estate Agent. This Agent had helped me buy my home. He did a good job for me so I felt confident about sending him referrals. My employer was building a new executive team, all of whom were relocating into this city, so this realtor quickly became the go-to guy for these folks, closing some big deals. His business took off.
As I got to know this agent better and learned about his business, he relayed one fundamental truth to me. He told me, "Jim, all I have is my time." I understood his point immediately. Time is a precious commodity that should not be wasted. The flip side of the message is "I cannot afford to waste my time, and I don't appreciate other people wasting my time either." I can certainly appreciate his sentiment now that I have my own business. If you are in a commission-only profession, you had better understand how to use your time wisely, otherwise you will go hungry. If you grasp this corollary to time management you will be viewed as a savvy professional worthy of my networking efforts.
Believe me when I tell you that most of your networking contacts want to help you. Your job is to help them help you, by making the networking contact smooth and effective. When I am in networking mode there are three things that I ask; make it easy for me to know what you want; make it easy for me to introduce you to my network; and make it easy for me to contact you. If you can accomplish these three demands, you will be viewed as a true professional, generate a lot of referrals and shorten your job search.
Quick Tips:
Make it easy for me to know how to help you:
• Be crystal-clear as to what you are trying to accomplish and how I can be most helpful. Don’t make me guess at what might be a good connection or a viable opportunity for you.
• Your elevator speech must be compelling, so I will remember you.
• Do your homework. Be prepared for our conversation.
Make it easy for me to introduce you to my network:
• Give me a handful of your business cards.
• Connect with me on LinkedIn.
• Send me updates on your progress and what you are trying to accomplish.

Make it easy for me to contact you:
• Your email correspondence must include a complete signature section with all of your contact information. I rely heavily on my IPhone so having the ability to tap your phone number, email address, or website is a critical time saving function.
• Understand your networking contact’s preferred method of communication and comply.
Sallie, a good friend summarized the issue perfectly when she said: "A calendar placeholder, for any type of meeting, should give pause to make sure there is value for all parties involved. If the allotted time was viewed as "billable" would everyone be able to collect on that invoice? If my business development doesn't yield an ROI, then I'm at a loss."
Professionals want to work and network with other professionals. Demonstrating respect for the value of other people’s time will clearly position you as a professional worthy of my time.