What networking goals can look like
Setting Your Networking Goals:
Before you start to create a plan, set out some SMART networking goals to drive your efforts.
When goals are SMART, you’ll gain clarity on what you need to do and how to gauge your progress.
Here are some examples of SMART networking goals:
- Identify 10 local technology employers by next week
- Make 5 new connections in local technology companies within 3 months
- Set up one informational interview this month
- Reconnect with 3 former colleagues or classmates this month
Creating Your Networking Plan
Once you have your networking goals set out, you can start to construct a plan. See the example plan below to get a sense of what yours could look like.
Example Plan Timeframe: Jan 4 – Jan 29
Primary Networking Goal: Make 5 new connections in local technology companies
| # | Action | Target Date | Status | Follow up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Create list of 10 local technology employers | Jan 8 | In progress | |
| 2 | Reach out to Alexis Shaw at Event Tech | Jan 4 | Done | Sending along resume |
| 3 | Research on LinkedIn who I know at employers on the list from step 1 | Jan 15 | Not started | |
| 4 | Create a list of potential contacts, approx 10, based on research in step 3 | June 20 | Not started | |
| 5 | Send email introduction or LinkedIn request to 6-8 people identified in step 4 | Jan 26 | Not started | Try one follow up if no response |
| 6 | Try for setting up at least one informational interview within the group of people contacted | Jan 27 | Not Started |
Where should this plan go?
Think carefully about where to keep this plan. Is it on your computer or another device? Is it in a hard-copy planner? Any place that you’ll remember and come back to will work.
It’s not just one and done!
Your networking plan will adjust over time so as you make progress and keep track of how it’s going, periodically create a new plan to keep the networking process moving forward.
Connect Your Networking Plan to Your Daily Activities
Once you have a networking plan in place, make sure your actions appear on your to do list, your calendar, or anywhere else you track what you need to get done. Those actions won’t complete themselves!
Track Your Progress
One big benefit of SMART networking goals is that you’ll know if and when they are complete. At a specific interval that you scheduled on your calendar or to do list, return to your plan and note the progress you’re making.