7 Simple Steps To Creating Your Unique Networking Plan

What is your networking strategy?

Most people haphazardly message people, waiting for someone to answer. Or perhaps you are ‘waiting’ for the perfect opportunity to arise. 

These are not strategies, they are not targeted and they will not move your career forward. If you want your career to move in a certain trajectory, you have to make it happen. It won’t happen with aimlessly connecting with people on LinkedIn or through waiting for something to happen. 

It will happen if you develop a focused plan and set specific and attainable goals. Industry is trending towards a decentralized workforce, and LinkedIn’s engagement is up 55%. 

It is time to embrace the power of virtual networking and convert these connections into valuable professional relationships and job referrals.

Your networking plan is unique to you and your career goals but I’d like to share with you the blueprint that elevated me from a networking novice to the center of connectivity.  

1. Change your mindset

I’m sure someone has told you in your life “You can do anything you set your mind too.” As annoying as this phrase can be, it has a lot of truth to it. When you go into something with a negative mindset, you’ll likely come out with a negative experience. Don’t frame networking negatively, remember this is an exciting opportunity to meet new people and learn about the opportunities you have. 

2. Make an MVP list

Your MVP list is unique to you, this is the list of people whom you would consider influencers in your industry. Start with a list of about 50 people. About 5-10% should be the top people in your industry. The people it would be great to meet but at this time, they would likely never meet you. The majority of the list should be people you can reach out to, whether already in your network or perhaps just outside of it. 

For extra credit, you can rank them in the order you’d like to contact them, start close and branch out. This will help you organize your thoughts. You should aim to contact one new person each week. This is not a rigid list, it should be dynamic and change as your network grows. 

3. Develop an exhaustive questions list

At the heart of networking, is conversation and at the heart of conversation is curiosity. 

Why do you want to meet or connect with this particular person? Come up with an exhaustive list of informational interview questions. This will make preparing for each conversation easier. Before your next informational interview you can pull up your list and pick the 5-6 most appropriate questions for the person you are interviewing. 

4. Find some common ground

While you may be connecting with a person because you both share similar career goals, connecting with someone on a more personal level is always more memorable. Most of us find motivation in our passions and hobbies. With Google and LinkedIn it’s easy to get to know someone’s passions before even meeting them. Finding some commonality – whether it's a personal connection, a shared hobby or an alma mater, it is a great way to start a genuine and memorable relationship. 

  5. Contact and create a calendar event

Step 5 of the plan is to actually connect with the person. The previous 4 points are all in preparation for this moment, you developed the right mindset, you’ve determined who you want to talk to and what you could ask. You’ve done your research on this new connection and found something you share with them. Now it is time to contact them.

Best advice, keep it short, simple, and concise. 

Check out the following script for an example: 

Hi [Contact Name],

I came across your website while searching for [topic] and was very impressed with your insights on [specific topic]. I also noticed that you work for [Company name] as [industry position]. As a fellow graduate who is currently interviewing for a similar position, I would value your thoughts on the position. 

Would you mind having a 10-15 minute phone call and possibly sharing your experiences in [industry position] ? 

Thank you for your time, 

[Your Name]

6. Connect, don't collect

The goal is not to get through your MVP list as fast as you can, the goal is to develop 50 new professional relationships that are genuine and meaningful.

Aside from immediately asking for a job, the worst thing you can do at an networking event is to seem like you don’t care. Always be genuine and never seem insincere. People can tell if you are faking interest for self promotion. Be genuine and allow your curiosity to guide the conversation. 

7. Remember to reciprocate, rinse, repeat

Always remember to follow-through. Throughout the initial conversation both parties likely made promises. Maybe you said you’d send them a sample of your work, maybe they said they’d put you in contact with a few other people, whatever it was, make sure you keep your promise. And if not, always make sure you send them a note for taking the time to speak with you.

Conclusion

The follow up is not the end of the relationship but the beginning of a new cycle. Once you make a connection, make sure to check back with them from time to time. Be consistent but not annoying (you likely don’t need to talk with them every day or even every week). In conclusion, make sure you have the right mindset, develop your MVP list, prepare your conversation starters, find some common ground, contact and connect but don’t collect, follow through, and repeat. 

If you follow these steps you will begin to develop a solid networking plan that turns your soft skills into hard referrals and new frontiers for your career path.

Are you a PhD?

If so, what's your networking plan?

Tell me in a comment below.

To learn more about transitioning into industry, including how to gain instant access to industry career training videos, case studies, industry insider documents, a complete industry transition plan, and a private online job referral network for PhDs only, get on the waitlist for the Cheeky Scientist Association.