You're mapping out your networking activities. How do you ensure they align with your long-term career goals?

Para alinear tus actividades de networking con tus objetivos profesionales a largo plazo, primero identifica tus metas. ¿Aspiras a ascender en tu carrera, cambiar de industria o emprender? Con tus objetivos claros, adapta tu estrategia de networking: busca líderes de la industria, únete a asociaciones profesionales y asiste a conferencias relevantes. Cada interacción debe acercarte a tus metas. Por ejemplo, si deseas cambiar de industria, conecta con profesionales del sector y participa en eventos específicos. Recuerda, el networking efectivo es intencional y cada contacto debe ser un paso hacia tu objetivo final.

Important to recognize that Networking and Prospecting are symbiotic but not interchangeable- they have different goals - There are many people that do not present immediate solutions (finding prospects) to business goals/sales but are valuable to add to your longterm 'Network' for their own network and who in there may present immediate solutions to your business/personal needs. I like to think of my 'Network' as a life enrichment resource rather than just a business tool.

In person events are invaluable to grow your network and strengthen relationships - but the key to maximizing your monetary and time investment - do your homework before you arrive - is there an advance list of attendees and especially speakers - who tend to be experts in the field - try and engage as many priority contacts as possible. If it is a several day event - don't hang out with just co-workers or people you know - engage different people at EVERY opportunity - all meals- coffee breaks - activities, etc. Trade Shows - DON'T believe the color of a badge - if Sellers are Red and buyers are green - you'd be surprised at how many buyers chose Red so as not to be swamped. Learn to quickly 'interview' new contacts to determine their worth

I call it 'keys' to their contact list. We've all had people that ask us if we can assist them to access to people in our network or to specific events/activities. Those we trust we tend to supply the requested information/introduction, those that we deem non-professional or do not trust - we tend to find excuses or simple deny we have the ability to assist. The goal to gaining access to others valuable resources is to first assist them in finding solutions to their needs and always being transparent - so when you need access to someone you know is in their network they give you the 'keys.'

There’s nothing like experience and measurable results. Understand how you will gauge whether or not the time being spent now is worth the progress made. More importantly, is there a better use of your time that will create more progress? Our time is a valuable resource we can’t get back. How we spend it should align with our core values and goals. Go into the investment of your time knowing how you will measure the results. Is it leads? Is it contacts? Then evaluate the quality of those as well. Is a contact a quality contact if they aren’t responsive? Then, be honest with yourself as you evaluate those results and adjust accordingly. Don’t count something out too quickly. Also, don’t be too proud to admit when you got it wrong.