the startups.com platform about startups.comCheck out the new Startups.com - A Comprehensive Startup University
Education
Planning
Mentors
Funding
Customers
Assistants
Clarity
Categories
Business
Sales & Marketing
Funding
Product & Design
Technology
Skills & Management
Industries
Other
Business
Career Advice
Branding
Financial Consulting
Customer Engagement
Strategy
Sectors
Getting Started
Human Resources
Business Development
Legal
Other
Sales & Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Search Engine Optimization
Public Relations
Branding
Publishing
Inbound Marketing
Email Marketing
Copywriting
Growth Strategy
Search Engine Marketing
Sales & Lead Generation
Advertising
Other
Funding
Crowdfunding
Kickstarter
Venture Capital
Finance
Bootstrapping
Nonprofit
Other
Product & Design
Identity
User Experience
Lean Startup
Product Management
Metrics & Analytics
Other
Technology
WordPress
Software Development
Mobile
Ruby
CRM
Innovation
Cloud
Other
Skills & Management
Productivity
Entrepreneurship
Public Speaking
Leadership
Coaching
Other
Industries
SaaS
E-commerce
Education
Real Estate
Restaurant & Retail
Marketplaces
Nonprofit
Other
Dashboard
Browse Search
Answers
Calls
Inbox
Sign Up Log In

Loading...

Share Answer

Menu
Networking: How can I make a networking strategy for 2018?
KN
KN
Kannan Nair, “I am Me. answered:

Building and maintaining a strategic professional network requires thoughtful planning and consistent effort. Here's a comprehensive strategy to help you achieve your networking goals in DC and your original country:

### 1. Define Your Goals and Target Audience

**Goals:**
- **Short-term:** Identify specific milestones for each quarter (e.g., attending certain events, connecting with X number of key individuals).
- **Long-term:** Define where you want your network to be in 5-10 years, including potential collaborations, partnerships, or career advancements.

**Target Audience:**
- **In DC:** Focus on influential professionals in your industry, policymakers, business leaders, and organizations relevant to your goals.
- **In Your Original Country:** Identify key industry leaders, alumni from your school, local business groups, and relevant organizations.

### 2. Research and Identify Key People and Groups

**In DC:**
- **Professional Associations:** Join associations related to your industry (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, industry-specific groups).
- **Networking Events:** Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops relevant to your field.
- **Online Platforms:** Use LinkedIn to identify and connect with influential professionals.

**In Your Original Country:**
- **Alumni Networks:** Leverage alumni groups from your school or university.
- **Local Business Groups:** Join chambers of commerce and industry-specific groups.
- **Social Media:** Use LinkedIn and local professional networks to connect with key individuals.

### 3. Understand WIFIIT (What's In It For Them)

**Research Interests and Needs:**
- **Personal Interests:** Identify what each key individual values (e.g., career growth, industry trends, mentorship).
- **Professional Goals:** Understand their business or professional goals and how you can assist or add value.

**Tailor Your Approach:**
- **Mutual Benefits:** Highlight how a connection or collaboration can benefit both parties.
- **Value Proposition:** Clearly communicate what you bring to the table, whether it's knowledge, resources, or connections.

### 4. Develop and Implement Your Networking Plan

**Step 1: Initial Outreach**
- **Personalized Messages:** Craft tailored messages for initial contact, referencing mutual interests or connections.
- **Informational Interviews:** Request short meetings to learn more about their work and share your own experiences.

**Step 2: Build Relationships**
- **Follow-Up:** Send thank-you notes after meetings and keep in touch regularly.
- **Offer Help:** Provide assistance or share valuable resources without expecting immediate returns.
- **Engage on Social Media:** Like, comment, and share their posts to stay visible and engaged.

**Step 3: Regular Engagement**
- **Attend Events:** Consistently participate in relevant events and activities.
- **Organize Meetups:** Host informal gatherings or small events to deepen relationships.
- **Content Sharing:** Share relevant articles, research, or insights that might interest them.

### 5. Maintain and Strengthen Your Network

**Consistent Communication:**
- **Newsletters:** Send periodic updates about your work and industry insights.
- **Holiday Greetings:** Send personalized holiday or milestone greetings.

**Mutual Introductions:**
- **Connecting People:** Introduce contacts to each other when there’s a mutual benefit.
- **Endorsements and Recommendations:** Offer LinkedIn endorsements and write recommendations when appropriate.

**Feedback and Adaptation:**
- **Seek Feedback:** Regularly ask for feedback on how you can be more helpful or improve the relationship.
- **Adapt Strategies:** Adjust your networking strategies based on what’s working and what’s not.

### 6. Utilize Technology

**CRM Tools:**
- **Networking Apps:** Use tools like LinkedIn, Shapr, or other professional networking apps to manage contacts.
- **CRM Systems:** Implement a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to track interactions and follow-ups.

### Example Networking Plan for Q1 2018:

**January:**
- **Join two professional associations in DC and your original country.**
- **Identify and list 50 key individuals to connect with.**
- **Send personalized LinkedIn invitations to 10 people weekly.**

**February:**
- **Attend at least three networking events or meetups.**
- **Schedule informational interviews with at least five key contacts.**
- **Share relevant articles or insights with your network weekly.**

**March:**
- **Host a small networking dinner or coffee meeting.**
- **Send a quarterly newsletter to your network with updates and insights.**
- **Review and adjust your strategy based on feedback and interactions.**

By following this structured approach, you'll be able to strategically build and maintain a robust professional network in both DC and your original country, ensuring long-term success and mutual benefits.

Talk to Kannan Upvote • Share
•••
Share Report

Answer URL

Share Question

  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Google+
  • Share by email
About
  • How it Works
  • Success Stories
Experts
  • Become an Expert
  • Find an Expert
Answers
  • Ask a Question
  • Recent Answers
Support
  • Help
  • Terms of Service
Follow

the startups.com platform

Startups Education
Startup Planning
Access Mentors
Secure Funding
Reach Customers
Virtual Assistants

Copyright © 2025 Startups.com. All rights reserved.