Looks like some business organizations are returning to in-person meetings and networking events this year. Be ready for that change by committing to a thorough networking Plan for 2022. Network on purpose and for a purpose every time.
With businesses, failing to plan is planning to fail. It’s the same simple paradigm for networking like a pro instead of an amateur. And it all starts with the reason(s) why you’re networking. Whether you want to learn things to help you do your job better, look for a better job or grow your business, network with a Strategic Plan. Here’s how:
- Define your specific networking objective(s). As a result of accomplishing them, what outcome(s) will result? A good objective is SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Better to have three different very focused objectives than one all-purpose, vague or generic one.
- The ‘what’ determines the ‘who’. Who do you need to meet and learn from to achieve each specific outcome? If you don’t know their names, what kinds of people – by function, position or industry – do you need to meet?