Create a Networking Plan in Easy Steps

I’m always on the lookout for articles about networking. Here are a few snippets:

Sure, you can climb the corporate ladder independently, especially if you have talent, charisma, and motivation to spare. But you’ll be increasingly successful (and have more fun) if you have a professional network of friends, colleagues, and coaches at your side.

Building this professional network takes more than positive energy and being vocal about your job search. To re-establish business relationships and ensure people think of you when opportunities arise, you need a networking plan that defines your professional goals and compiles social support.

What’s a networking plan?

A networking plan outlines your career goals and everything you need to do networking-wise to achieve them. These plans typically include the following information:?

• Professional goals: This could be anything from a new job to a promotion or raise.?

• Networking goals: Here you’d define networking-specific goals, like gaining five more LinkedIn followers each week or speaking to three strangers at your next event.?

• An assessment of your network: Evaluate existing contacts to identify your network’s strengths and any gaps. Your network shouldn’t be exclusively based on current colleagues if you want to find a new employer, for example, meaning that’s a gap you need to fill.?
• A network wish list: Identify individuals whose addition to your network will help you reach your career goals. This might be a role model, advocate, or career coach.?

Some great benefits of networking include:?

• Finding new job opportunities: According to a survey by hiring expert Lou Adler, 85% of jobs are filled via networking. Even when not executing a job search, your network can notify you of unexpected opportunities that advance your career. And when you refer a candidate for an open position, you save your employer 40% of the time it takes to hire for the role.
• Boosting creativity: Exchanging ideas with your network, sharing insights, and discussing trends add to your existing knowledge base and shift your perspective. These conversations catalyse innovation and creative problem-solving, benefiting all who participate.
• Demonstrating your skills: By demonstrating your skills and expertise during networking activities, you become familiar with each other’s strengths. Network members know who to recommend when someone needs professional services, and you can do the same for them.
• Creating a career roadmap: You might think you have all the qualifications necessary to succeed, but with a well-rounded network, you can review your competencies against others on the same path.
• Establishing a support system: When you network, you’re not only building a list of contacts — you’re establishing a community. And that community can become an essential source of mutual support when you face professional challenges.

Creating a networking plan: 7 steps

Your networking plan should be a well-informed, step-by-step roadmap that outlines relevant goals and what you need to do to achieve them within a set time frame. Here’s a seven-step guide to creating this roadmap.?

1. Cultivate the proper mindset?

Make sure you’re framing your networking efforts as a positive experience. Otherwise, the time and effort you’re about to spend might not feel worthwhile, and you could quit early or resent the process.

Instead, remember that this is an exciting opportunity to meet new people, cultivate deeper relationships, and discover growth opportunities. And if your more negative thoughts stem from imposter syndrome, meaning you feel you’re not good enough or don’t deserve help, try practicing affirmations for imposter syndrome such as “I am a strong and capable person” or “I am worthy of my achievements.”

2. Evaluate your current network

Considering existing professional connections, ask yourself the following:?

• What are my professional goals?
• How can the people in my network help me?
• What value do I bring to my network??
• Are there any connections I should avoid (like with a difficult coworker, for example)?
• What benefits does my network offer?
• Is my network well-balanced and representative of my goals and industry?
• Is there anyone else I can include who can contribute to my success?

The answer to these questions will help you identify gaps among your contacts and relationships requiring particular care and attention.

3. Create your wish list

Now that you’ve identified gaps, consider how to fill them. If no one comes to mind, think about where you might find these sorts of professionals, like LinkedIn communities or professional events you could attend.?

You should also include a section defining how you’d like to build upon already existing connections. Perhaps you’re acquaintances with an old coworker, for example, and would like to make this person an integral part of your network.?

4. Prepare to connect

Once you’ve defined a list of people you’d like to connect with and how these relationships can help you reach your career goals, work on any verbal or nonverbal communication skills that may need improvement.

If you’re particularly nervous about starting conversations with strangers, for example, you could practice in settings where you feel the least intimidated, perhaps at a party or in a café.

Or maybe you’re uncomfortable when asking for help. You could start by requesting small favors from people you trust, like a friend or family member, and building this comfort before asking other professionals.?

5. Find a networking partner?

Everything’s easier with support — even networking itself. Ask friends and close coworkers if any of them are hoping to work on their networking skills and build a more robust professional community.

You can join forces to attend events, research wish list contacts, and discuss progress. Who knows — perhaps this partner will hear about an opportunity through their networking efforts that benefit you and vice versa.?

6. Go for it

It’s time to put yourself out there and reach out to wish list members. If you can’t meet in person, use a social media platform like LinkedIn, email, or phone calls to introduce yourself.

Explain who you are, what you do, and why you’re contacting. Keep your message brief and genuine, and remember to follow up once if you don’t receive a reply.?

Want to know more? Head on over to the full article here for more ideas and perspectives. Afterwards, why not drop me an email to share your thoughts at [email protected] ; or call me on 0467 749 378.

Thanks,

Robert