How do you value your networking activities?

1 Define your goals

Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. What are your short-term and long-term goals? How can networking help you reach them? For example, you might want to network to find a mentor, to learn a new skill, to expand your customer base, or to explore a career change. Having specific and realistic goals will help you focus your networking efforts and track your progress.

2 Choose your metrics

Once you have your goals, you need to decide how you will measure your networking success. What are the indicators that show you are moving closer to your goals? How will you collect and analyze the data? For example, you might use metrics such as the number of contacts you make, the quality of your interactions, the referrals you receive, the feedback you get, or the opportunities you create. Depending on your goals, you might use quantitative or qualitative methods, or a combination of both, to evaluate your metrics.

3 Review your results

After you have collected and analyzed your data, you need to review your results and see if they match your expectations. How well are you performing according to your metrics? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your networking activities? What are the trends and patterns that emerge? For example, you might find out that you are good at making new connections, but not at maintaining them, or that you are getting positive feedback, but not enough referrals. Reviewing your results will help you identify your areas of improvement and celebrate your achievements.

4 Adjust your strategy

Based on your review, you need to adjust your networking strategy and make changes that will improve your outcomes. What are the actions that you need to take to reach your goals? How can you leverage your strengths and address your weaknesses? How can you adapt to the changing circumstances and needs of your network? For example, you might need to follow up more frequently with your contacts, to diversify your networking channels, to offer more value to your network, or to seek more feedback and guidance. Adjusting your strategy will help you optimize your networking performance and results.

5 Seek feedback

One of the best ways to value your networking activities is to seek feedback from your network. Feedback can help you gain insights, perspectives, and suggestions that you might not have on your own. It can also help you build trust, rapport, and credibility with your network. How can you ask for feedback effectively? You can use open-ended questions, listen actively, express appreciation, and act on the feedback. For example, you can ask your contacts how they perceive your networking style, what they think you can do better, or how you can help them more.

6 Enjoy the process

Finally, remember that networking is not only about achieving goals and measuring results. It is also about enjoying the process and having fun. Networking can be rewarding, fulfilling, and enjoyable if you approach it with curiosity, enthusiasm, and authenticity. How can you enjoy networking more? You can focus on the people, not the numbers, share your passions and interests, learn from others' stories and experiences, and be yourself. Enjoying the process will help you value your networking activities and make them more meaningful and effective.

7 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?