How do you evaluate your network's value and avoid wasting time?

There is no network that won't add VALUE, but the whole point is that you need to be clear about what your OUTPUT should look like, at the end of the day. And thus, begin by identifying your goals. eg: A musician would reap MAXIMUM benefits in the music industry, if they network with fellow musicians, and might find themselves "wasting time" with people who don't align with their thoughts/don't resonate with their end goals.

Avaliar o valor da rede requer uma análise de reciprocidade e relevancia. Pondere a qualidade dos contatos mais do que a quantidade: conex?es que desafiam, ensinam e apoiam s?o as mais valiosas. Priorize tempo em rela??es que ampliem horizontes profissionais e pessoais, e esteja disposto a desinvestir de conex?es estagnadas, tóxicas para evitar a dissipa??o de energia em rela??es que n?o agregam valor. Isso serve para tudo na vida!

Goal-setting is a two-way street. Sometimes, you're driven by specific goals, seeking the right connections to propel you forward. Other times, it's about surveying your network, recognizing the potential it holds, and aligning it strategically with your evolving goals. It's a dynamic interplay where clarity on objectives fuels effective networking, and a robust network, in turn, opens doors to diverse goals, creating a cycle of growth and achievement.

Think about the connections you have: Are they supportive, knowledgeable, and helpful? Do they offer opportunities or guidance? By understanding the quality of your network—how strong and beneficial those connections are—you can prioritize who to spend time with and who can help you reach your goals. This helps you avoid wasting time on relationships that don't offer much value.

The best way to check the quality of your network is by periodically putting it to the test! One effective way I've found to do this is by hosting networking events. These can be any kind of event: a big social, a small happy hour, an online webinar, an offline seminar, a serious mastermind, an impromptu lunch, or anything in between. Set a headcount goal, a venue, a topic, and invite people from your network! Do people come? Do they invite their friends? If you want help with an introduction do they help provide it? Now here's the magic: regardless of your network's quality at the moment, YOU can actively make it better through these events! Make moments, add value, and create more meaningful relationships by bringing people together.

There is only one true thing about networking : YOU HAVE TO GIVE BEFORE YOU CAN THINK ABOUT RECEIVING. You've clearly established your objectives, and now you want to develop your network and increase its value. Now it's time to go to events and join clubs to meet new people. But make no mistake, you're not here to take, you're here to give. Engage in sincere conversations, ask questions, build strong relationships. Your network isn't just your number of LinkedIn subscribers.

Optimizing your network's value is like making the most out of your connections. It involves focusing on the people who can really help you and who you can help in return. Think about who in your network has the skills, knowledge, or resources you need to reach your goals. Spend more time nurturing those relationships and less time on ones that don't offer as much value. By doing this, you make sure your network is working for you, helping you save time and achieve more.

Evaluating the value of your network and avoiding time waste hinges on focusing on quality over quantity. Opt for networks where selling is not the primary agenda, ensuring that interactions are genuine and centered on mutual growth. Seek out networks with moderated sessions, as this promotes structured and meaningful exchanges. Exclusivity is key; participate in groups where competitors are not allowed, fostering a more open and trusting environment. Finally, ensure all members sign an NDA. This guarantees a safe space for discussing work-related challenges, enhancing the network's value and relevance to your professional life.

Don’t take it personally if there’s a lack of desire to get to know you better or a lack of response to your message. It’s probably due to the number of issues the person is currently working on. If you're really keen on making contact, make sure your message is clear, concise, and to the point. As the saying goes, 'if the door doesn't open, try the window' - look for other official methods of reaching out :) It worked for me many times.

Improving your networking skills starts with this realization; Networking is an Activity. Connection is the goal. When you realize this and begin viewing it this way, you begin to see just how many opportunities we are surrounded by to grow our networks. You are there to START something new, not to close a deal. Mastering this skill starts with finding out how you like to connect with others. Do you like maintaining relationships, creating new opportunities, getting introduced to bigger room, or planning the roadmap? Put yourself in the activities' (landscape) you are most natural in, while learning how to navigate the other styles, including dealing with frustrations. Remember it's not about the activity its about the connection.

Improving your networking skills is an ongoing process that involves learning, adapting and refining your approach. Observe successful networkers, seek advice, and dive into their experiences to gain insight. Experiment with various platforms, tools, and strategies to find the one that works best for you. Evaluate your networking activities, keeping detailed records of contacts and results. Use metrics like referrals, leads, conversions, or testimonials to measure the effectiveness and value of your network. By adopting a continuous improvement mindset and implementing these strategies, you can hone your networking skills, cultivate meaningful connections, and ensure your networking efforts are efficient and rewarding.

Here's the hard truth: Your time is finite. Wasting it on mediocre connections and lukewarm opportunities is like throwing your most precious resource into a black hole. Evaluate your network with the precision of a surgeon and the ruthlessness of a street fighter. If they're not in the ring with you, ready to go toe-to-toe, they're out. This isn't about being nice; it's about being strategic. Forge connections that matter, where the value exchange is so intense, it's undeniable. Become indispensable. That's how you build a network that doesn't just take up space but elevates you, pushing you toward goals with the force of a thousand allies. Anything less is a disservice to your potential.

Meiner Meinung nach sind beim Networking die 4 M’s entscheidend. Man Muss Menschen M?gen. Bringen sie ihrem Gegenüber wahres Interesse und Wertsch?tzung entgegen.

Fostering meaningful connections within the network. It's not just about the number of contacts, but the quality of interactions and mutual support. You can organizing peer group meeting, focused group discussions or mentorship pairings. It can lead to deeper relationships, ensuring you to not only connect but also genuinely benefit from each other's experiences and insights. This approach can transform a vast network into a tight-knit community, enhancing its overall value.

HAVE FUN We are all human. Humans gravitate towards tasks, topics and people when they find them enjoyable and fun. The more you can imbue your relationships with a sense of positivity, high energy and fun, the more you will get out of them.