How can you use SMART goals to enhance your professional network?

Networking is essential for - 1) Staying updated on latest industry trends 2) Relationship building with peers from other companies 3) Sharing knowledge & developing new skills 4) Keep a pulse on job market and other opportunities 5) Socializing with old and new contacts 6) Fostering meaningful relationships One needs to define the purpose of networking and have clear goals around it both quantitative as well qualitative. Example - I need to attend at least 3 events/ workshops/ gatherings in a month and build my network with at least 5 meaningful conversations/ connections and long-lasting relationships. Both widening & deepening works wonders, try & network with not just homogeneous crowd but people from varied walks of life.

Defining your networking purpose is crucial. It not only directs your efforts but also enables you to articulate your goals effectively. When your networking purpose aligns with genuine curiosity and a desire to contribute, connections become more meaningful, fostering mutually beneficial relationships that go beyond mere transactions.

When setting SMART goals for networking, consider incorporating a qualitative aspect alongside the quantitative metrics. For instance, in the quest for a mentor, not only focus on reaching out to three potential mentors but also emphasise building genuine connections during those informational interviews, fostering relationships that go beyond the initial contact. Quality interactions can be as crucial as the quantity when it comes to successful networking.

Networking does not happen on a particular day or a particular event. One needs to build it as a habit or an attitude. I have met a lot of relevant people in social settings, on flights, at airports and followed up with contact details after a good chat. They are still in my network and some have become close associates too. Many people think that networking is about exchanging business cards at events. That only adds to spamming and people avoiding you. Show interest in the person and use the conversation to also show them how you can be of value to them or anyone. A good genuine conversation goes a long way in the other person remembering you and be willing to be contacted or be part of your network.

When setting SMART goals, it's crucial to align your networking actions with a strategic mindset. Consider incorporating proactive steps, such as leveraging your expertise by sharing valuable content in online groups, attending industry-specific events for offline networking, and utilising your LinkedIn profile not just as a static CV but as a dynamic portfolio showcasing your ongoing contributions and insights. This multifaceted approach ensures a holistic and impactful networking strategy.

When engaging in networking, consider incorporating a qualitative aspect to your monitoring. Beyond numerical metrics, actively assess the quality of connections, the depth of conversations, and the meaningful insights gained. This holistic approach ensures that your networking efforts not only meet SMART goals but also foster genuine relationships and valuable exchanges.

Celebrating networking achievements is crucial! It's not just about recognising personal milestones - it's also an opportunity to inspire and motivate your network by showcasing the power of persistence and collaboration. By sharing your successes, you contribute to a positive and supportive community that fosters mutual growth.

Set a deadline for achieving your networking goals. This could be a monthly or quarterly target for expanding your LinkedIn connections, attending industry events, or participating in relevant webinars. Having a time-bound goal creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused on building essential connects.

Curating a network involves not only spending time to maintain relationships but needing to “pay back” into the network. Think of your network like a battery. To use it, you need to first charge it up. You do this by helping others until it’s time to get help yourself. If you only extract, your network will have no value beyond a large collection of names. The best network to be a part of is one whose members are actively helping each other succeed. Prune out leeches regularly or others will leave the network and degrade its usefulness over time.