As the CEO of a networking community, 52 Connections in 52 Weeks, for business owners, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs, I am passionate about relational networking. Our approach is rooted in the principles of doing unto others, being intentional, and fostering meaningful connections. We embrace a nontraditional path to networking, emphasizing purpose and value in every interaction.

Do you have goals for your business and Nonprofit? Marketing goals? Sales goals? If so, then you should also have networking goals. We all understand the importance of goals, but how effectively do we apply this knowledge? When it comes to networking goals, many people fall short. Despite believing in the power of networking (or you wouldn’t be reading this post), you might not have written specific networking goals for your business.

Networking often becomes a reactive measure, taken up only when business is slow. It’s frequently overlooked, especially when we get busy and think, “I don’t have time,” or “I don’t need it right now.” It’s rarely treated as an essential component of business growth. Many approach networking haphazardly, far from intentional. By setting networking goals, you can prioritize your business and ensure it thrives.

Networking should be a proactive and intentional measure because it fundamentally transforms how you build and sustain your business relationships. Here’s why:

1. Building Strong Relationships: Proactive and intentional networking allows you to build genuine, long-lasting relationships. By reaching out consistently and intentionally, you establish trust and rapport with others, making it easier to collaborate, share resources, and support each other’s growth.

2. Creating Opportunities: When you network proactively and intentionally, you create opportunities rather than waiting for them to come to you. By actively seeking out new connections, attending events, and engaging with others, you open doors to partnerships, referrals, and collaborations that can significantly benefit your business.

3. Staying Top of Mind: Consistently engaging with your network intentionally keeps you top of mind. When opportunities arise, people are more likely to think of you and recommend your services or products. This visibility can lead to a steady stream of referrals and business leads.

4. Enhancing Your Brand: Proactive and intentional networking helps you build and enhance your personal and professional brand. By consistently showing up, sharing your expertise, and demonstrating your value, you position yourself as a leader in your industry.

5. Gaining Insights and Knowledge: Networking proactively and intentionally gives you access to diverse perspectives and valuable insights. Engaging with others in your industry allows you to stay updated on trends, learn best practices, and gain new ideas that can drive innovation in your business.

6. Building a Support System: A proactive and intentional approach to networking helps you build a strong support system. Having a network of trusted advisors, mentors, and peers provides you with guidance, encouragement, and assistance when you face challenges or need advice.

7. Increasing Confidence: Regular networking boosts your confidence. As you practice presenting yourself and your business, you become more comfortable in social settings, improving your communication skills and your ability to articulate your value proposition.

8. Preventing Downtime: Relying on reactive networking means you only seek out connections when business is slow, which can lead to periods of inactivity. Proactive and intentional networking ensures a continuous flow of opportunities, minimizing downtime and keeping your business momentum strong.

9. Strengthening Your Community: By proactively and intentionally engaging with your network, you contribute to building a stronger, more connected community. This sense of community fosters collaboration, support, and mutual growth, benefiting everyone involved.

10. Achieving Long-Term Success: Ultimately, proactive and intentional networking sets the foundation for long-term success. By consistently nurturing and expanding your network, you create a resilient and dynamic ecosystem that supports your business goals and aspirations.

One way to start is by setting measurable networking goals. You’ve likely heard of SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timed. Applying these to networking can transform your approach.

Here’s how you can define SMART goals for intentional networking:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. For example, “I want to connect with 10 new potential clients in the next quarter.”
• Measurable: Ensure your goal can be quantified. “I will attend four networking events each month.”
• Attainable: Set realistic goals. “I will schedule one coffee meeting per week with a new connection.”
• Relevant: Align your goals with your broader business objectives. “These connections will help expand my reach in the tech industry.”
• Timed: Set a deadline. “I will achieve this by the end of the year.”

We know setting SMART goals can be challenging, but their power is undeniable. Coupled with Steven Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” particularly the habit of beginning with the end in mind, you can achieve remarkable results.

This week, take some time to reflect on the following questions and write down your responses. Share them with someone in your own networking circle to hold you accountable if needed:

1. Growth from Referrals: How much growth are you hoping to attain from word-of-mouth referrals, and by when? Is your target the end of the year?
2. Action Steps: What do you need to do to make this happen?
3. Referral Sources: Who will bring you this growth?
4. Expected Growth: What kind of growth do you expect from referrals?
5. Focus Areas: Will the referrals focus on a specific product or service?
6. Networking Opportunities: How many networking events will you attend each month to achieve this goal? How will you stay accountable and value these functions?
7. Finding Events: How will you discover these events? How will you protect these commitments from other obligations?
8. Accomplishing Goals: How will you achieve this? How many referrals do you want each week, each month?
9. Event Focus: What will you focus on achieving at each networking opportunity?
10. Change in Approach: What will you do differently to make this change?
11. Target Connections: List some members you would specifically like to meet this year and why.

By answering these questions and setting clear, intentional networking goals, you will intentionally shift your approach and make meaningful strides in your business. Remember, you are where you are on purpose, for a purpose, and you bring value to every room you enter and to those you serve. Let’s make your networking goals as intentional and impactful as your business goals.