How do you report networking metrics to your manager or clients?

1 Define your networking objectives

Before you start tracking and reporting your networking metrics, it's important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with your networking activities. These objectives may vary depending on your role, industry, and situation; for instance, you might be looking to expand your network with relevant contacts in your field or niche, generate leads or sales from your network, establish yourself as an expert or thought leader, learn new skills or insights from your network, or find mentors, collaborators, or partners for your projects or career. Once you have defined these objectives, you can align them with the expectations and goals of your manager or clients. This way, you can showcase how your networking efforts contribute to the success of your organization or project.

2 Choose your networking metrics

The next step is to choose the metrics that best reflect your networking objectives and performance. Metrics are the quantitative indicators that help you measure and evaluate your networking results. There are numerous metrics to select from, but some of the most common ones include the number of contacts, quality of contacts, number of interactions, and number of outcomes. For example, the number of contacts can reveal the size and diversity of your network, while the quality of contacts can show the depth and strength of your network. You can measure the quality of your contacts by using criteria such as their industry, position, expertise, connection level, or interaction frequency. Moreover, the number of interactions can indicate the activity and visibility of your network. You can measure this by using indicators such as emails, calls, messages, comments, likes, shares, or meetings. Lastly, the number of outcomes measures how many tangible benefits you have gained from your network. You can measure this by using indicators such as leads, referrals, sales, recommendations, testimonials, feedback, opportunities or collaborations. Reporting these metrics will help you assess your networking results and maximize your return on investment.

3 Collect and analyze your networking data

The third step is to collect and analyze your networking data using the metrics you have chosen. To record and track your networking data over time, you need a reliable and consistent system. There are various tools and methods you can use to collect and analyze your networking data, such as CRM software for managing customer relationships, social media analytics for measuring performance and audience, networking apps for connecting with other professionals, and spreadsheets for organizing numerical data in tables and charts. You can even create and customize your own networking metrics, formulas, and graphs with spreadsheets.

4 Report your networking metrics

The final step is to report your networking metrics to your manager or clients in a clear and compelling way. You should have a regular and relevant system in place to communicate and present your networking metrics and results. Reports provide a detailed and structured overview of your networking metrics and results, and dashboards are visual displays that offer a quick summary. Meetings are sessions that provide an interactive opportunity to discuss your networking metrics and results. By reporting your networking metrics, you can showcase your skills, demonstrate your value, and justify your efforts. Additionally, you can use the metrics to evaluate performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for the future.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?