How can strategic thinking improve your professional network?

I am a strong believer in not having too 'narrow blinders' when it comes to networking as some seemingly random connections can be life-changing! That said, too often, people are told to just network without a clear objective upon which to focus. Are you networking to identify future employers, and to learn more about where you could add value/be a good fit? Are you networking to promote the brand and work of your company because you are seeking formal partners, clients, other? If so, write out these key target indicators and prepare a short 2-liner for each program, service or relevant experience example (if for job hunting) you will be ready to mention. Who do you want to connect with? As in marketing, define some target 'personas.'

Having a strategic view on one's direction is key to grow and maintain the suitable networking direction for a professional to build on. When a professional is through his mid career onwards he receives mostly offers through recommendations of his network more than his cv. That is why it is very important to have the right direction in building the professional network. And strategic thinking is key to establish this direction.

Before diving into the networking pool, it's crucial to first chart your course. What are your career aspirations, both immediate and in the distant future? Pinpointing these objectives shapes your networking strategy, guiding you towards individuals and groups aligned with your goals. Consider the mutual benefits: what unique value can you bring to these connections, and how can they propel you towards your ambitions? This clarity in purpose ensures that your networking efforts are not just a scattergun approach, but a targeted, efficient endeavor, maximizing the impact of each connection and steering clear of aimless interactions.

Strategic thinking is one of the most essential part of Professional networking 1)First thing First What is your goal for networking that has to be clear For example: Networking for personal branding, Getting more leads or some social cause or some other goals such as learning. 2)Who is your target Audience or contacts : what kind of contacts will help you with the defined goal understanding this is very essential 3)Plan your strategy according to your target contacts depending on Who are your target contacts,how to approach them,get in contact with them and follow up with them on continuous basis is crucial 4)Professional networking is really amazing coz you never know when a single contact can change the whole trajectory of your life

By defining clear objectives, such as seeking mentorship, expanding industry knowledge, or finding new career opportunities, you can direct your networking efforts more purposefully

After setting your network goals, the next step is to delve into research about your prospective contacts. Understanding who they are, their professional roles, interests, and the challenges they face is key. This knowledge allows you to customize your communication, aligning it with their needs and preferences. It's not just about making an introduction; it's about making a connection that resonates. Discovering commonalities or areas where your experiences and interests intersect can be a powerful foundation for building rapport and trust. This informed approach not only demonstrates your genuine interest but also positions you as a thoughtful and valuable addition to their network.

The most important thing to consider when planning your networking strategy is to pick what networking groups to go to. In my experience, the chambers always add the most value. The bigger the chamber is, the more value it adds. I recommend attending paid groups over free groups. Paid groups have higher quality people that are invested in building relationships. After you attend an event, connect with everyone you met through LinkedIn. Then, follow up with the people that add value. This could be someone interested in doing business with you, someone in your industry, or someone that could be an ally with you in your career path.

With that, you have to craft a strategic networking plan. This involves deciding how to initiate contact, follow-up methods, and strategies for keeping these relationships over time. The platforms and channels that are most effective for reaching your target contacts are LinkedIn, industry or networking events, and sometimes direct emails, as long as you add value. But you need to track your networking progress, with clear effectiveness metrics. Be prepared to adapt your strategy based on these metrics. By planning your networking approach, you ensure that your efforts are not just purposeful but also yield tangible results, making the most of your time and resources.

If you seek advice from someone in your network (especially a new contact), always follow up with them to let them know what happened due to your taking their advice, whether it was a positive outcome or not. This feedback will encourage the advice-giver to engage with you again in the future because they know they'll get feedback from you. (How many times have you been asked for advice and never heard back about whether it was used and to what effect?)

By following up promptly after networking events or meetings, you reinforce the connection, express gratitude, and further the conversation. This ongoing engagement helps nurture relationships, allows for continued knowledge sharing, and can lead to collaborations or opportunities down the line. Consistent follow-ups can strengthen your professional network by establishing trust and demonstrating your reliability and genuine interest in maintaining meaningful connections.

Following up and keeping in touch with the contacts, providing them value consistently after meeting them is an important networking action. Even if we couldn't see the immediate results, keeping long term relationships will give you the result in one way or other. So focus should be more towards keeping long term relationship because 'network is net worth'

The quality of follow up when networking can make a huge difference. As you engage in networking it's important to make it a two way conversation in order to learn what is important for your contact and what can you do to support them. For example, if it's a recruiter can you help him or her with a referral from your network on a current search. Or, if you learn that they have a challenge with a current project, are there resources that you know that may be able to help them. Through active listening there is almost always an opportunity to make it a mutually beneficial relationship.

Now that your networking strategy is set, it's time for action. Reach out to your targets with a compelling introduction, highlighting your interest and the mutual value you offer. Engage them by seeking their advice and offering your support. Follow-up is key: maintain contact by sharing relevant information, referrals, or opportunities. This consistent engagement demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to building a meaningful, mutually beneficial relationship. Remember, each interaction should enrich their professional journey as much as yours.

Embracing a 'go-giver' mindset in networking is vital. Recently, I reconnected with a contact whom I hadn't spoken to in a while. During our conversation, I discovered that a colleague I had referred to this contact had generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in business for him. Surprisingly, I was unaware of this success until that call; my colleague had yet to follow up or express gratitude for the referral. This oversight missed a chance to deepen our relationship and explore more opportunities within my network. Acknowledging and valuing referrals strengthens connections and opens doors to further success. The 'go-giver' approach, focusing on giving more than receiving, is critical to building a robust, beneficial network.

A very effective way to expand your network with relevant contacts is to ask this question at the end of a call/meeting with someone in your network: " Based on what we talked about today is there anyone that you would recommend that I should speak with?" You will find that people in your network will be more than happy to make an introduction for you to that new contact. I have had success doing this while searching for new career opportunities, when in need of technical knowledge, and in looking to connect with peers when I am benchmarking practices or problem solving.

Evaluating your networking outcomes is a crucial final step. Assess what strategies were effective and which ones fell short. This evaluation is not just about tallying successes, but also about understanding missteps and areas for improvement. Use this feedback loop to refine your approach for future networking. Strategic thinking elevates your networking by guiding you through setting precise goals, conducting deep research and crafting your strategy, taking deliberate actions, and critically assessing the results. This methodical approach to networking fosters the development of meaningful relationships, where each connection is a valuable part of your professional journey.

The question was about strategy impacting your professional network, so my focus goes to the word “network” (one’s community) as opposed to putting energy on the word and act of “networking.” I’ve been making connections and introductions professionally for others for a pretty long time. I’ve grown out of networking and moved toward what feels more natural and human-being centered. Relationship development where building genuine trust is the path to sustainable business relationships, steady referrals, and new opps. Trust is critical for global work. There is a place for strategy but for me that strategy is dictated by current deal flow and the attraction vehicle I have for starting the relationships.

By understanding your objectives and how various connections can contribute to them, you're better equipped to nurture relationships, provide mutual value, and expand your network strategically rather than aimlessly.