Using NurtureNet

I would encourage you to pull up NurtureNet while reading this article. It isn't a tutorial, but you will appreciate these insights more if you are familiar with the product.

Reading the article Simple on Purpose will also help you understand why the product works the way it does.

NurtureNet is built around a simple idea:

You already have a people network. The challenge is paying attention to it.

The first thing you do is enter the people you want to include in your network.

Then you tell NurtureNet a little about each relationship. How do you know this person? What is your relationship with them today?

You can put people into groups if you like. Then, as you interact with people, you can record those interactions and make some notes.

The process is simple:

Enter your connections.
Typify each person – describe your current relationship with them.
Put people in groups, if you like.
Log your interactions with each person and make some notes.
Respond to the reminders, either in the app or via email.

That's really all you have to do.

The important part isn't the data entry.

It's what happens after you've been using it for a while.

NurtureNet looks at the information you've entered and gives you an action plan. It helps identify relationships that could use your attention. You can also find this information in the app.

The question it is helping you answer is simple:

<w:t>Who should I be thinking about?

Maybe someone has been out of touch for a while.

Maybe you haven't followed up on something important.

Maybe a relationship is beginning to weaken.

Maybe someone you've known for years deserves a simple note or phone call.

The action plan is there to help you notice these things.

Then you decide what to do.

Call someone.

Send a note.

Congratulate them.

Ask how their family is doing.

Share something you think they would enjoy.

Or perhaps do nothing. Not every relationship needs attention right now.

The goal isn't to turn relationships into tasks.

It is to help make maintaining relationships a habit.

NurtureNet doesn't build your relationships for you. It helps you remember to build them yourself.