How to build networking goals for the New Year (and stick to them)
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to think about setting some business goals. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re in need of a reset so your business can grow, networking can be a great place to start.
Maybe you intended to get to some small business networking events last year but got waylaid by other tasks. Or perhaps the idea of networking has always felt daunting. Whatever the reason for the block, here are some tips to help build valuable, achievable networking goals you can stick with for the next 12 months.
Why networking is important for your small business
For some of us, the idea of meeting up with like-minded small business owners to find potential clients and collaborators sounds great. For others, putting yourself out there can feel scary. However you feel about the prospect, business networking is a fantastic way to grow.
Lead generation: While you can send out messages on LinkedIn and email prospects, in-person (or virtual) networking sessions are a great way to get your name out and generate business leads.
Learning opportunities: Many networking events include helpful talks and discussions, providing the chance to learn from other business owners and industry leaders. You may even find a mentor to guide you in the longer term.
A change in routine: Networking events can offer a welcome change in routine, particularly for small business owners who work from home.
Peer support: Likewise, if you’re a freelancer who works solo, finding those in a similar boat and seeing how they’ve tackled certain challenges can be invaluable. Your new connections can offer support and provide a fun, social environment to grow in.
Why do you need to set networking goals?
Like many things in the business world, it’s wise to have a bit of a plan. Sometimes, connections turn up unexpectedly, but when you’re trying to grow your business, you can’t always rely on chance encounters!
Setting networking goals can help you get the most out of the experience. It can save you time, focus your attention on building meaningful relationships, and provide a sense of direction and motivation.
SMART: Setting networking goals that will stick
The first step with any goal is to define it. Think about what you want to gain from networking and how you can achieve it. The SMART method of goal setting is always helpful here — this refers to aims that are:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound
An example of a SMART networking goal might be:
“I will attend one local networking event per month for the next six months”. Or “I will send 5 LinkedIn outreach messages per week for the next three months.”
Perhaps you want to“Plan a 6-month social media strategy and schedule posts twice a week to reach 1000 followers”.
Prioritise
When setting your goals, consider the area you want to prioritise most — this feeds into the ‘specific’ part of your SMART goal.
Do you want to meet potential clients or customers? There may even be a specific person you want to connect with. Are you hoping to find freelancers who can support your business? Is there a particular skill you want to develop through networking?
Try a range of networking formats
If your aim is to attend networking events, explore format options and find the one that best suits your schedule, budget, and preference. There are plenty of different ways of networking, and you’re more likely to stick with one you enjoy and one that fits into your working week.
You might find that online networking sessions are most convenient for you. Or you may enjoy a change of scenery and want to go in person. Or maybe a mix of both! Some people prefer more structured sessions, while others find casual networking events more effective.
Find the one that works best for you and incorporate it into your routine.
Reflect
Whether your goal is short-term, mid-term, or long-term, take time to reflect on your progress. There may be points where you have to adjust your goal — and that’s okay.
If your schedule changes or you find you’ve been a bit ambitious and you find you can’t attend four networking events per month, re-assess and make it more manageable. Perhaps you could try just one or two per month instead.
Stay organised
No matter the details of your networking goals, staying organised can make the whole journey easier! It can be helpful to schedule outreach messages, add all calls and events to your calendar, and use software or tools to post your social media content.
If you find this takes up time you need to spend elsewhere, why not consider getting support from a Virtual Assistant? They’ll be able to free up your schedule and make sure you stay on top of your networking goals.
Make 2025 your year of networking
As a freelancer or small business owner, networking is all about the long game. By setting yourself SMART networking goals at the beginning of the year, you can help create a strong foundation for building the connections that will help your business grow.
Whether you need a hand with organisation and admin to keep your networking goals in focus or you’re looking for 1:1 support to help with accountability, feel free to contact Erin, an experienced Virtual Assistant who’s no stranger to navigating the world of small business networking!
