I live in DC, and I can have access to key people. I am clear what is my goal for this next decade. I want to build and maintain a professional network in DC and in my original country. I don't want to just knock doors. I want to strategically know the people to reach, what is the WIFIIT for each network group, and how to maintain the network.
Hi,
So it sounds like your question is really two questions:
1.) How do I find the right people to invite to my network and build relationships with?
2.) Once I define who those people are, how do I go about building that relationship, or network, and how do I sustain it over time?
As for the first question, I would agree with what David said, Meet Up's can be a good place to start. Doing LinkedIn searched with a "geo-filter" for the DC area could be effective as well.
Meet Up's might be a good way to initially meet some of the stakeholders you're hoping to make contact with, but building a strong foundation for a relationship, and maintaining it may be a little more challenging. Not all Meet Up's are structured the same way, some are effectively facilitated, and some are not.
It could be most effective for you to create your own "community building" or "networking" Meet Up that's centered around your own specific idea, issue, or industry, and then go to other related Meet Up's in order to invite people to your own Meet Up that you have more control over.
What I mean by "control" is you can have more control over the "networking" or "community building" frameworks to accomplish those very things. Examples: What is the physical structure of where the Meet Up is taking place? Is it a place that everyone is comfortable and is conducive to community building? What dialogue strategies or protocols could be used to ensure that all parties are heard, understood, and valued to ensure that everyone wants to come back to another Meet Up? Maybe it makes more sense to hire a 3rd party facilitator to help manage this process?
In closing, there are lots of things to consider, let me know if you want to book a call with me and we can take a deeper dive.
Best,
-Kevin
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.
.png?1515263583)
