Management Tip of the Day: Use Your Crowd to Source Ideas

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MAY 14, 2013 Use Your Crowd to Source Ideas Skilled networkers use their contacts as a source of quick feedback and even solutions to challenges of all sorts. If your network is strong, you're connected to well-placed colleagues, suppliers, customers, and fellow executives in your field — a host of experts who can help you at a moment's notice. For example, if you're thinking of hiring a contractor, ask for reviews of his work. Or use an internal blog to request ideas on how to cut costs. Start by making suggestions of your own and then ask others to contribute. These tactics will not only help you get valuable information but also will increase your visibility within your network. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Networking. Buy the book for the tools you need to conquer networking anxiety » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Networking HBR Press HATE THE IDEA OF SCHMOOZING AND GLAD-HANDING TO SUCCEED? Most of us feel that way. But you don't have to be slick and indiscriminate to create and sustain a strong network. In fact, you're much better off being yourself and connecting selectively — that's how you'll build relationships with real value. The HBR Guide to Networking will give you the tools and confidence you need to get your ideas off the ground, draw on others' expertise, scope out business opportunities, and land coveted roles. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Go After High-Quality Revenue The Right Way to Voice Your Complaint Improve Your Ability to Anticipate Crises Set an Email Quota and Stick to It Don't Listen to Customers — Observe Them Set the Right Tone for Your Talk Know When It's Time to Quit Your Job 2 Strategic Choices You Have to Make Use Your Online Network to Test Ideas Prepare Stories for Your Job Interview All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)