What should you include in a networking action plan?

Based on my experience, while setting SMART goals for networking is beneficial, it's equally important to approach networking with a giving mindset. After 30 years of personal and professional development, I've realized that fruitful connections are formed through genuine engagement, offering value, and fostering mutual growth. Networking is about building lasting relationships. So, include in your plan the number of people you want to meet and the value you intend to provide. Aim to leave every interaction with a positive impact, and you'll build an extensive, supportive, and enriching network.

Defining goals and writing them down is crucial. As an educationalist days, weeks, quarters and years are all goal driven. I also adopted the SMART methodology so measure the effectiveness and impact for over 20 years. One important aspect of goal setting is that you include flexibility so you can take action when a shift of the lens takes place or something unexpected shows up. Flexibility enables you to achieve beyond your goals.

"In my approach to networking, intentional goal-setting is essential. I envision my network as a garden that I am nurturing: contemplating who I am and my direction for the year. My focus lies in attracting people who not only align with my interests and values but also share a common purpose. I've found that purpose alignment is particularly crucial. Reflecting on how I'll recognize these individuals and contribute to their objectives is a key part of my strategy. My goal extends beyond accumulating contacts; I aim to create meaningful connections that foster mutual growth and synergy. This strategic method ensures that my networking harmonizes with both my personal growth and my professional journey.

One action that I find important to a networking action plan is a clear and concise way to ask for help. Are you a business owner? Entrepreneur? Is it your first time exploring uncharted territories? Get clear on what you are looking for and learn how to ask. Prepare questions, practice asking in a mirror, and build your confidence.

I focus on identifying the types of people I would love to attract- those who align with my fields of interest, share my values, and our purposes are aligned. Especially the purpose alignment is critical in my experience.

It is always vital to know who you want to attract, whether it is ideal clients, potential collaborators or partners. I advise that you know them as much as you know yourself, your best friend. This will enable you to easily explore the best places they hang out. It is crucial you hang out with like minded people who can either support you, you can support them or they can help you grow.

When planning who to network with, think about who can really help you with your goals. For me, this meant finding people in my field who were a few steps ahead in their careers. I looked for them at events and online groups where they were active. It's also important to think about what you can offer them. When I was looking for a mentor, I thought about how my own skills and contacts could be useful to them. This way, networking feels more like a two-way street, where both sides can benefit and learn from each other. It's not just about who you meet, but how you can help each other grow.

I call this: The Garden strategy. 🪴 1. Visit someone's LI profile. 2. See if they post daily. 3. Comment on their post. 4. Do this for 3-5 days. 5. Connection request. (No message) 6. Friendship. Break the ice by talking about their stuff. You've been reading it for days, right? 🪴 (Key tip: bookmark profiles OR track them in Excel.)

When developing your networking strategy, remember that it's not just about quantity, but also quality. Instead of aiming to connect with as many people as possible, focus on building deeper, more meaningful relationships with a select few. These connections are more likely to lead to valuable opportunities and collaborations. Quality over quantity is a key principle that has served me well in networking.

In my experience I think it's wise to concentrate on a couple of networking opportunities so as not to overload your calendar. There's also real value in choosing a group and sticking with it for a while by their attending events or contributing to discussions. This way you can start to build some useful relationships and find common ground.

Networking happens every day. 📆 1. Have a list of 10-15 people you want to befriend.. 2. Comment on their post every day. 3. Send a connection request after 3-5 days. You should always have an active list going. Work the list every day. Every day. 📆

When you set SMART goals it provides opportunity for you to add the metrics that will determine your success. e.g. I will gather five new contacts from each networking event. I will ensure that I reach out within 24 hours of that connection. You can then measure your success rate. I use a 80% benchmark as success.

In my teaching training I was introduced to becoming a reflective practitioner. No matter what I do in life or business I use this skill. It is part of my DNA and it enables me to tweak goals and set more challenging ones to ensure I am always moving forward and becoming the best version of myself at any one given time.

One of the overlooked pieces of networking is mindset. You have to believe you are someone worth networking with! When you improve your mindset, your confidence, and your belief in yourself, it makes it much easier to put yourself out there, introduce yourself to more people, and tell them what you do (and how you can help them).