Developing a Strategic Networking Plan
A program to help you proactively grow and maintain relationships to enhance your career goals. This program guides you through the essential steps of strategic networking.
Program Modules
Define Your Networking Goals
Determine what you want to achieve through strategic networking. Clarify your objectives and desired outcomes.
Identify Specific Goals
WeeklyList specific goals such as enhancing industry knowledge, getting job referrals, finding mentors, or uncovering hidden job opportunities.
“Determine what you are looking to get out of strategic networking.”
Identify Your Target Audience
Pinpoint the people who work in your desired career field. Focus on relevant locations, industries, companies, and job titles.
Define Target Criteria
WeeklySpecify locations, industries, companies, and job titles relevant to your professional interests.
“Identify your target audience.”
Craft a Clear and Concise Message
Develop a clear and concise way to communicate your career interests to your network.
Draft Your Networking Message
WeeklyWrite a concise statement outlining your career interests and what you hope to achieve through networking.
“You'll need a clear and concise way of communicating your career interests.”
Peer Review Networking Message
WeeklyShare the draft with peers for feedback and improvement.
“Feedback is important when crafting a concise message”
Activate Your Current Network
Leverage your existing contacts to expand your network. Focus on building and strengthening relationships.
List Your Contacts
WeeklyCreate a list of close contacts and acquaintances.
“Your current network is bigger than you think.”
Request Introductions
WeeklyAsk your contacts for introductions to people in your target audience.
“Ask them for introductions to people in your target audience.”
Expand and Maintain Your Network
Cultivate relationships outside your existing social circles and maintain connections.
Join LinkedIn
WeeklyGrow your network on LinkedIn.
“Consider growing your network on LinkedIn”
Join Professional Associations
WeeklyJoin professional associations to meet others in the same industry.
“Join professional associations to meet others in the same industry as you.”
Maintain Relationships
WeeklyStay connected to foster and maintain professional relationships.
“It's important to foster and maintain new professional relationships by staying connected.”
Send Thank You Note
WeeklySend a thank you note to each person helping you along the way.
“Remember to send a thank you note to each person, helping you along the way”
What You'll Accomplish
- Define strategic networking goals.
- Identify a target audience for networking efforts.
- Craft a clear and concise networking message.
- Activate and leverage your existing network.
- Expand and maintain your network effectively.
Full program access + updates