6 Goals for Other People in Networking

We’ve often discussed the importance of setting goals in our networking practice. These can range from short-term goals, such as the number of people you plan on meeting at an event, to long-term goals like your ultimate target for networking, whether it be growing your business, finding employment, or supporting a charity.

While setting these goals for ourselves, we should also consider setting goals for those in our network. I don’t mean setting goals for others to achieve, but rather goals that we will achieve for them. Great networking is about helping other people. So, what sorts of goals can we set for ourselves to support the people in our network?

Here’s a short list:

• Make a Referral: It doesn’t necessarily have to be to a specific person, though if you are close networking partners, you may indeed need to set a specific goal for them. Even if you set the goal to connect at least one person per month with a potential business opportunity, you will begin looking for those chances whenever you are in a networking situation.
• Make an Introduction: One of the most generous things you can do is help another person extend their network. Consider which members of your network could benefit from meeting each other.
• Extend an Invitation: As an amazing networker, you attend many events. However, not everyone in your network may have developed this habit. Extend an invitation and help them out.
• Send an Article: Read with other people in mind. Whether it’s a blog post, a magazine article, a podcast, or a newspaper clipping, think about who else might enjoy this article as you read.
• Write a Gratitude Note: Let them know you think they’re great.
• Write a Testimonial: Let everyone else know you think they’re great.

Set these “other people” goals just as you would set goals for yourself. Pick one, set a number, and set a date. Work on achieving that one goal, then pick a new one and repeat. The intent here is to incorporate these goals gradually into the ones we’re already trying to achieve for ourselves. With enough practice, people will begin to see us as generous individuals who are always looking for new ways to give back.

Not a bad reputation to have.

Your turn: What specific goals have you set to serve the people in your network?