What are the most effective ways to set networking goals?

Networking is a vital skill for any career development coach, as it helps you build relationships, share insights, and find opportunities. But how do you set effective networking goals that align with your vision, values, and objectives? In this article, we will explore some of the most effective ways to set networking goals that are SMART, relevant, and measurable.

1 SMART Goals

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART goals help you clarify what you want to achieve, how you will measure your progress, and when you will complete your actions. For example, a SMART networking goal could be: "I will attend two online events related to career development coaching every month and connect with at least three new contacts per event by sending personalized follow-up messages within 24 hours."

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Serin Paul

Building the World's Best Business Education Ecosystem integrated with AI & Tech🚀
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The biggest challenge of building relationships in the professional world is identifying how to connect with the other person. Ie How can I add value to that person first, because then only the other person may have a mindset to help me? For this, you need ideas to connect with the other person. Craft 20+ ideas where you can add relevant value to others. Example Promote Their Work: Social Media Shoutout: Share Contacts: Maintain a tracker to have a list of people to connect with. Rank the idea based on the most valuable ideas + ease. And then start using it. If something is not working out, move to the next idea. This way you have a very strategic way to set and meet your networking goal.

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2 Relevant Goals

Relevant goals are those that align with your purpose, values, and vision as a career development coach. They also match your current needs, interests, and skills. For example, if you want to expand your niche, you might set a relevant networking goal to join a professional association or a community of practice that focuses on your target market. If you want to learn new skills, you might set a relevant networking goal to enroll in a course or a webinar that offers valuable insights and resources.

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3 Measurable Goals

Measurable goals are those that have clear indicators of success and can be tracked and evaluated. Measurable goals help you monitor your progress, celebrate your achievements, and identify areas for improvement. For example, you can measure your networking goals by using tools such as a spreadsheet, a CRM system, or a networking app to record your contacts, interactions, and outcomes. You can also use metrics such as the number of new connections, referrals, leads, or clients you generate through your networking activities.

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4 Actionable Goals

Actionable goals are those that have specific and realistic steps that you can take to achieve them. Actionable goals help you break down your networking goals into manageable tasks and avoid procrastination, overwhelm, or confusion. For example, you can create actionable steps for your networking goals by using the SMART framework to define what, how, when, and where you will network. You can also use a calendar, a planner, or a reminder system to schedule your networking actions and prioritize them.

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5 Flexible Goals

Flexible goals are those that can adapt to changing circumstances, opportunities, or feedback. Flexible goals help you cope with uncertainty, embrace learning, and adjust your networking strategies accordingly. For example, you can make your networking goals flexible by reviewing them regularly and modifying them as needed. You can also seek feedback from your contacts, mentors, or peers to improve your networking skills and outcomes.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Marina Ponomareva

Talent Acquisition at DataCrunch | Job Search & Career Strategist | Creator of weekly Marinaisms 🌶️
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SMART goals is a good framework. In addition, it's worth taking a career development coach's personality type into account. Goals that works for more introverted types won't work for someone who gets energy from external sources.

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What are the most effective ways to set networking goals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 SMART Goals

2 Relevant Goals

3 Measurable Goals

4 Actionable Goals

5 Flexible Goals

6 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development Coaching

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What are the most effective ways to set networking goals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 SMART Goals

2 Relevant Goals

3 Measurable Goals

4 Actionable Goals

5 Flexible Goals

6 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development Coaching

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