How do you categorize your network?

1 Personal network

Your personal network consists of the people you know from your personal life, such as your family, friends, neighbors, classmates, or hobbies. These are the people who know you well, trust you, and care about you. They can be a great source of support, advice, and referrals, as well as potential clients or partners. To maintain and grow your personal network, you should stay in touch regularly, show interest in their lives, and offer help when needed.

3 Strategic network

Your strategic network consists of the people who are influential or relevant to your goals, such as industry leaders, experts, media, or investors. These are the people who can help you achieve your vision, access new markets, or create impact. They can also challenge you, inspire you, and expose you to new ideas. To maintain and grow your strategic network, you should research them, reach out with a clear purpose, and follow up with value .

4 Diverse network

Your diverse network consists of the people who are different from you in terms of background, perspective, or experience, such as people from other cultures, fields, or generations. These are the people who can help you broaden your horizons, learn new things, or discover new opportunities. They can also enrich your creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. To maintain and grow your diverse network, you should be curious, respectful, and open-minded.

5 Online network

Your online network consists of the people you connect with through social media, online platforms, or digital tools, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Zoom. These are the people who can help you expand your reach, share your content, or join your community. They can also provide information, resources, or feedback. To maintain and grow your online network, you should be active, engaging, and authentic.

Categorizing your network can help you organize your contacts, prioritize your actions, and tailor your communication. By understanding the value and purpose of each group, you can build stronger and more meaningful relationships that will benefit you and your network.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?