Ever get frustrated that you are not seeing results from your networking efforts? Do you have goals? If you don’t, you are definitely not alone. Most people look at networking as a reactive marketing approach versus a proactive strategy. The purpose of this blog is to encourage you to have goals in your networking. You will see more result from your networking and much more quickly when you do have networking goals.
So, how do you get started?
We encourage S.M.A.R.T. goals. Your goals need to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. When you are specific, you define the Who, What, When, Where, and How. When your goal is measurable, you have a way to measure your results. When your goal is attainable, you create a goal that is in your reach. When your goal is relevant, you are engaged in why you are working towards it. And finally, timely ensures that you have a deadline.
Here are some questions that I recommend you answer to help you assemble your goals (be as specific with your answers as possible):
- What is your business development or sales goal for this year? (For example, 48 new independently owned restaurant clients in 2012)
- How does this goal break down monthly and weekly? (For example, 4 new restaurants per month/1 per week)
- How many networking functions will you attend each month?
- How many strategic partners do you need to build to help you achieve your goals? (strategic partner = another professionals that shares the same target market with you, but does not compete. You both help each other drive new business).
- How many introductions do you need on a weekly basis?
- How many appointments do you need each week?
From the answers of these questions, use the S.M.A.R.T. format to assemble at least 3 networking goals. Hint to success: share these goals with others and have them hold you accountable.
For setting and getting goals, you may want to check out a goal setting app called GoalsOnTrack, a very nicely built web app designed for tracking goals and todo lists, and supports time tracking too. It’s clear, focused, easy to navigate.
Thank you! I will have to check that out!