The best way to stay on top of networking is to set networking goals. You can’t reach your goals on your own. You need your community of resources, champions, and connections. As everyone has their own circle, your community grows every time you grow your community.
Here are networking goals you can set each day, week, month, quarter, and year:
Each Day
Set a 15-minute active networking appointment. During this time:
- Connect on LinkedIn with new friends
- Send an email or message to check in on a friend or peer
- Post, comment, and reply on social media
Each Week
Attend three events:
- One mixer
- One education event (Workshop or CE)
- One one-on-one with someone you met at one of the first two events to continue the conversation
Each Month
Create new content:
- Post on your blog. Ideally, you want to do this at least once a week, but better to aim for something feasible and achieve that goal
- Guest on Someone Else’s Platform. It could be a blog guest post or interview, live show, or podcast
Each Quarter
Refresh your online presence:
- Make sure your website bio and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date
- Make sure your profile photo still looks like you
- Bonus points for updating your banner image
Each Year
Attend at least one Live or Virtual Industry Conference
- It’s one of the best ways to make new connections, solidify relationships, and learn new things in your area of expertise
Final Thoughts
Until you prioritize networking – and focus on making real general connections – you never know what good will come of it!
Eager to hear more? Join us for The Art & Craft of Networking for Writers and Creatives: A Lunch and Learn Discussion with Debra Eckerling on Thursday, September 28th, 12 P.M. PDT. Register for this event HERE
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