Create a networking plan in 7 easy steps

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. 

The importance of networking in the workplace

Everything’s easier with support. When you cultivate relationships — professionally and personally — you increase the likelihood these people think of you when opportunities arise. You also build a support system for when things get tough, like if you’re laid off or fired. 

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 catalyze 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.

  By discussing credentials, you could discover valuable learning opportunities for professional development to take your career path in a new and exciting direction.

• 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.

• Increasing brand awareness: Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting your first solo business, networking can help you build brand awareness so more people know about your offering.

  Even if the contacts you’re approaching don’t convert to customers, they might keep you in mind when someone in their circle complains about an issue your product or service solves. 

• Building confidence: Networking forces you to face any nerves you have about attending social events, talking to new people, or asking for help. With practice, you gain the confidence to do things that might’ve made you nervous in the past, like giving a presentation at work or cold connecting on LinkedIn.

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. Set networking goals

Based on your professional priorities, create a list of networking goals using the SMART framework (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely). Here’s an example of how you’d use this goal-setting method:

Step 1: Within the next [time period] I’ll [describe action] so that [career benefit]. I’ll know I’m making progress because of [outcome].
Example: By next month, I’ll contact five or more industry experts who can advise me on my professional development. I’ll have at least one informational interview to discuss my career’s next steps.

Step 2: To reach my goal, I’ll [list actionable items].
Example: I’ll meet industry experts to add to my network by attending my professional association’s next social event and one industry conference.

5. 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. 

6. 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. 

7. 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. 

Tips to improve your networking skills

Feeling nervous about networking is totally understandable. You’re putting yourself out there — talking to strangers, attending big events, asking for help — and that’s intimidating. But don’t let your fears hold you back.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your networking experiences:

• Practice gratitude: Whether it’s a one-on-one meeting or a financial investment in your latest venture, always express your gratitude for people’s help and reciprocate when you can. 

• Prepare for each interaction: Effective networking requires preparation. Before heading out to an event or meeting, brainstorm a list of topics or questions to jump-start a conversation. If you know some wish list contacts will be there, research where you have common ground to help you two connect.

• Stay organized: Create a calendar to keep track of networking events and use it to document the people you’ve met and when to follow up with contacts.

• Don’t give up: Not every attempt to forge a new relationship will be successful. That’s OK. People are busy, and some contacts might even feel threatened by you. Don’t take it personally, and keep working toward your networking goals. Be consistent and you’ll see results.

Enjoy a more connected future

Yes, executing a networking plan is about professional development. But it’s also about building a sense of belonging. You’re connecting with like-minded industry professionals, learning from them, and enjoying any opportunities they send you.

And you can do the same for them as you advance in your career. In the end, you’ve created a community of people focused on cultivating a growth mindset and continuously learning. And nothing’s better for your holistic development than that.