Page 112 - Never Fly Solo

LOSE SIGHT, LOSE FIGHT | 85
But if you hold on and trust the judgment of the wingmen
you have already allowed into your life, these people can keep
you airborne until the clouds clear. Like Koz, they can talk
your eyes back into position and lead you on their wing back
to safer airspace. The truth is, with a good wingman, you’re
never really lost.
Here are five ways to make sure you keep sight of your
most trusted wingmen and never get lost, no matter what
flight path you’re traveling on:

1. Make a list of your top twenty or so business contacts
you wish to stay in touch with. Write down the name, address,
phone number, e-mail, and organization for each. Now make
a similar list, this time of your twenty most trusted friends
and partners.

2. At least once a week, have a meal or a cup of coffee
with a wingman from each of these groups. This is the time
to be open, share challenges, ask for help, and, most of all,
offer a wing. The person you’re talking to may be “tumble-
weed” (i.e., lost and without a clue) and may need your help,
too.

3. If you can’t meet in person, call at least every month
or two just to check in. Carry the numbers around with you
on a notepad or store them in your computer or handheld
device so you can call when you’re out.

4. Mentor a new wingman as often as you can. This
doesn’t have to be anything more formal than a lunch meet-
ing and a few e-mails or phone calls to follow up. Do this