How do you balance network quality and quantity?

Muitas pessoas acreditam que ser um bom networker é ter muitas conex?es (quantidade), outras acreditam que n?o adianta focar em quantidade se a qualidade das pessoas da sua rede n?o respondem quando você precisa principalmente gerar negócios. Eu acredito que quantidade é importante desde que sua rede seja diversificada e heterogênia, considerando setores de atua??o e cargos. Por outro lado, a qualidade da sua rede reflete muito as oportunidades de negócios que podem surgir. O segredo é ter em primeiro lugar os seus objetivos pessoais e profissionais ao interagir com a sua rede. Quando você valoriza cada pessoa da sua rede e extrai o melhor da sua rela??o, as melhores oportunidades podem surgir e das pessoas que a gente menos espera :)

While it may be tempting to focus on growing your network as quickly as possible, the reality is that having a large number of contacts won't necessarily lead to success if those contacts aren't relevant or engaged. To strike the right balance between quality and quantity, start by identifying your goals for networking. Are you looking to make new industry connections? Build relationships with potential clients? Find mentors or advisors? Once you have clear objectives in mind, you can begin targeting specific individuals or groups who align with those goals. At the same time, it's important not to overlook opportunities for expanding your network beyond your immediate circle.

From my experience of being apart of strategic network in 140+ countries, I believe that to maintain a fine balance between quality and quantity, one has to: 1. Make the network diverse - diversity of geography, function, ethnicity, colour, gender. make the network have quality perspective and also quantity. 2. Incorporate trainings and workshops to mentor the network to build qualities that make the network more effective and an effective and. engaging network brings more people to the network. 3. Make the network engaging and enabling. Have interesting. activities to keep the network conductive and interactive which helps the network to grow an decay person to grow individually

Make strong connections with people who share your goals and values. This helps build trust and teamwork. But it's also good to meet lots of different people from different places and industries. This way, you can get different ideas and chances. To do this right, you need to be smart. Spend time building good relationships while also being open to meeting new people and new chances to grow.

Most people today lack the time and prefer quality over quantity. From my experience, try to strike a balance as both have the benefits. Quality networking has a deeper level of trust and rapport, genuine relationships where you share common interest, goals or values. Where else quantity gives you more opportunities and larger number of people who are diverse. The idea is to have strong connections for collaboration and support who are very diverse. Make sure they fit with your objectives, growth and ambition.

A princípio, foquei em expandir a minha rede rapidamente, adicionando diversos contatos que iam aparecendo aqui pela rede. Com o tempo, percebi que muitas dessas conex?es eram superficiais e pouco impactavam o meu crescimento profissional. Decidi ent?o adotar uma abordagem mais seletiva, priorizando contatos com os quais tinha interesses e objetivos comuns. Fui inclusivamente promovendo a REMOVAL HOUR [hora mensal para remover conex?es frias ou irrelevantes]. Comecei a investir tempo em conhecer as minhas conex?es, fortalecendo rela??es que ofereciam trocas genuínas de valor. Esta mudan?a n?o só enriqueceu a minha experiência de networking, mas também trouxe oportunidades mais alinhadas com as minhas aspira??es.

I couldn't agree more. Quality over quantity is paramount in networking. Building genuine, meaningful relationships with a few key individuals who align with your goals is far more valuable than a large number of superficial connections. Focusing on deepening these relationships fosters trust, rapport, and mutual support, leading to opportunities for advice, referrals, and collaboration. Being genuine, respectful, and helpful in your interactions is essential for cultivating lasting connections. Show genuine interest in others' work, offer valuable insights and resources, and follow up consistently to maintain engagement. By prioritizing quality relationships over sheer numbers, you can maximize the benefits of networking.

I've witnessed firsthand how a person with 500,000 subscribers can be outperformed by someone with just 1,000 loyal followers. The emphasis once placed on sheer numbers is now shifting towards engagement rates. Consistency and the delivery of meaningful value are key to winning people over.

Balancing network quality & quantity is important for building meaningful connections in your professional network. To achieve this balance, focus on creating strong, genuine relationships with a smaller group of individuals who are relevant to your career goals & interests. Quality networking involves engaging in meaningful conversations, offering support and assistance to others, & maintaining regular contact with your connections. At the same time, it's also important to expand your network & connect with a diverse range of professionals to access new opportunities and perspectives. However, prioritize quality over quantity by being selective about who you connect with and investing time & effort in nurturing those relationships!

Absolutely, diversifying your network is crucial for expanding your horizons and accessing new opportunities on LinkedIn. Connecting with individuals from various backgrounds, fields, levels, and perspectives enriches your network with diverse insights and experiences. This diversity not only fosters innovation and creativity but also helps you avoid the pitfalls of groupthink, bias, and echo chambers. To diversify your network effectively, maintain an open-minded and curious approach.

There is value in a conversation with people who come from a different perspective and think differently. It’s important to listening to each other with respect. And it’s valuable to ask and respond to thoughtful questions that can help us raise our awareness of our impact on other people who might be outside our usual circle.

Para diversificar a rede de conex?es, adotei várias estratégias: 1o participei em eventos e conferências fora da minha área direta de especializa??o, o que me permitiu conhecer profissionais de diferentes setores e perspectivas. 2o Também me envolvi ativamente em grupos Linkedin que cobriam uma ampla gama de interesse. 3o conectei-me com profissionais recomendados pelas minhas conex?es, valorizando a cadeia de conex?es confiáveis. 4o a participa??o em cursos e workshops, ampliando a minha rede. Essas a??es, somadas ao uso consciente do Linkedin para seguir e interagir com líderes e influenciadores em diversos campos, enriqueceram a minha rede com uma diversidade de pensamentos, experiências e oportunidades.

Los contactos débiles siempre deben formar parte de tu red. Pueden abrirte puertas a nuevas áreas, ciudades y oportunidades que de otro modo no podrías alcanzar.

I’ve learned that while quality connections are essential, diversifying my network has been a game changer. I recall attending a local tech meet-up, feeling out of place among seasoned professionals. Yet, it was here I met a recent graduate, a brilliant thinker from a completely different field. Our conversations opened my eyes to innovative ideas I hadn’t considered before. By seeking connections outside my comfort zone, I’ve encountered unique perspectives that challenge my thinking and spark creativity.

Para gerir uma rede de conex?es diversificada, utilizo uma combina??o de ferramentas eficazes: - Sempre LinkedIn [na sua vers?o mais básica] - Linkedin Sales Navigator [tenho listas de conex?es para acompanhar as intera??es que fa?o] - Microsoft TODO [para monitorizar as a??es a realizar com as minhas conex?es] - o Calendly facilita o agendamento de reuni?es, Essas ferramentas juntas permitem uma gest?o eficiente, ajudando a manter a rede organizada e ativa.

La combinación de la actividad en una red profesional como LinkedIn y la asistencia a eventos donde ver en persona a aquellos con los que interactúas es una de las formas más potentes y productivas de crear relaciones.

.As a LinkedIn expert, I can attest to the power of online tools in expanding your network beyond geographical boundaries. LinkedIn, in particular, is a powerful platform for showcasing your expertise and connecting with potential contacts globally. Engage in meaningful conversations, provide value, and build relationships. If you are able to provide your services outside of just your local geographic area you have less competition. For example one of my clients offered remote IT support, however was always up against local competition as there was a limited number of businesses in his geographical area. by diversifying whom he networked with his opportunities grew. 1% of a national or international market is better than 1% of a local one

LinkedIn is a highly effective tool for maintaining professional relationships and prospecting for new connections. However, the prevailing trend often emphasizes 'more is better' versus actually getting to know your connections. I find it valuable to identify new people I would like to know, learn about their work, and then make meaningful connections when opportunities arise. I’m not a fan of sending widespread invitations without a clear purpose and the intention to meet.

Online tools can help you be efficient and reach a wider audience but nothing takes away from your the energy and enthusiasm that you will bring to the conversations and interactions. Use the online tools to be more efficient and pepper your week with one to ones and real conversations. This is vital.

I always say to my team that the power is in your caring attitude towards your network. Spend time every week keeping in touch with your community on and off line. Be the person that they appreciate - comment on posts, don't just do a lazy thumbs up! Remember what people are talking about and check in with them too. Nurturing is vital to keep you top of mind and to be the super connector in your networking world.

The lesson for me here is, if you can't have a 15-minute coffee chat with someone in your network, why are they in your network? Gathering thoughts from others who are in your network (feedback) is key to your success but also can help you to build your networking base and foundation. Two-way communication is like watering the plant to help nurture your network!

Nurturing your network is akin to tending a garden; it requires consistent effort and attention to flourish. In the digital age, leveraging tools like LinkedIn or CRM systems can streamline this process, enabling you to send personalized updates and track important milestones. By investing time in these relationships, you not only build a robust professional network but also position yourself as a valuable connector and thought leader in your industry.

Effective networking is built on trust and rapport, which take time and effort to establish. Rushing through the networking process in search of immediate gains can often lead to a lack of trust or skepticism from potential connections. True relationships are built upon a foundation of trust, and investing the time to cultivate that trust will ultimately yield greater long-term benefits. Networking is a two-way street, and expecting immediate returns from connections without offering reciprocal support can harm relationships. Networking should be approached with a mindset of mutual assistance and support, where individuals genuinely care about each other's success.

Networking often falls prey to chasing empty clout. People chase connections with high-profile achievers or celebrities, neglecting the individuals who could offer genuine support and guidance. This not only ignores the power of the "law of reciprocity" - the idea of mutual benefit - but also overlooks the potential of everyday connections that can blossom into valuable, long-term relationships. Genuine connections built on shared interests and the potential for mutual support are far more valuable than fleeting interactions with those who are unlikely to ever truly connect.

I’ve found that networking is most effective when it focuses on building authentic relationships with professionals who share your mindset and values—for example, those who prioritize relationships over transactions, or growth over the status quo. My favorite approach is to help others first. The more you assist, connect, and refer others, the more likely they are to reciprocate. However, this should not be mistaken for a mere exchange; it must stem from a genuine desire to help without any expectations. Nonetheless, the long-term benefits often lead to your own growth.

When I hear approaches to networking lately, I think the emphasis has tended towards the serendipity side. This is because many folks today are seeking authentic connection as much as they are looking to support business growth. Authentic connection is a genuine and valid need. The beauty of serendipty, and power of the right personal vibration to attract your key contact are real. However, the idea that serendipity alone can be sufficient when networking is a myth. Selecting the right event--the one that contains a higher percent of your key contacts, plus volume of conversations, plus authenticity, is a better primary strategy. (@IceBrekr in use...even better.)

I've found that networking is most effective when it's targeted and authentic. It's not about connecting with everyone, but about building meaningful relationships with those who align with your goals and values. I also emphasize the importance of giving in networking - it's not just about what you can gain, but also what you can offer to others. Don't be like all those who just take, and pitch to the room without adding value first. Lastly, I encourage people to network beyond formal settings. With platforms like LinkedIn, you can network anytime, anywhere, making it easier to reach out and build relationships.

From personal experience I could not agree more. The warm connection and the humble ask are very powerful ways to help and support. My first thought when I meet someone new is “how can I help them?”

When I am going to in-person networking events, I tend to connect with as many people as possible — yet I make it a point to understand each person. I prioritize quantity in these settings because I carefully select the events where registrants are like-minded individuals, or belong to a specific crowd I am targeting — in my case, early-stage VCs and female entrepreneurs in STEM.

Focus on Quality Connections: Building a Network that Matters While a large network might seem impressive, it's the quality of your connections that truly fuels career growth. Here's why focusing on quality takes precedence: Meaningful conversations: Quality connections allow for deeper conversations, fostering genuine relationships and a stronger support system. Targeted value exchange: You can offer and receive more relevant value and support when your network aligns with your professional goals. Time optimization: Building and nurturing quality connections takes time. Focusing on quantity leads to shallow interactions, ultimately wasting your valuable time.