What I know & want you to know
I selected this blog topic after attending this week’s networking meeting for my business. Early on, I realized that networking is essential for business success. In the field of aging, collaboration with various professional services is crucial to effectively support individuals as they grow older.
Before starting my business, I attended professional associations and organizations where attendees shared common business interests. I also regularly participated in personal support groups. Both experiences have provided valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, with consistency being the key to success.
I have witnessed both positive and negative networking experiences. As I reflect on these, I will share the key lessons I’ve learned for successful networking.
Choosing a networking venue
First and foremost, do your homework before you attend any networking event. Who is the event geared to? Is it too general or too specific/nichey? Are there attendance requirements? Are you required to share referrals? Is there an annual fee or pay as you go feature? What happens if you are unable to attend? What are the benefits to membership? Are there requirements outside of the organized meeting? Can you bring a guest? As you can see, it’s important to find out before you dive in.
ALSO, set goals for your employees that attend networking events. Do you know if they are attending? Do you require them to schedule appointments with other members? Are you measuring their success as they attend events? Can they get involved with a committee or be a speaker?
What is unsuccessful networking?
This is a very easy question for me to answer. Do any of these behaviors define you?:
- Arrive late
- only sit with your friends/colleagues
- Have sidebar conversations
- Crack jokes & be a distraction
- Introduce yourself without being prepared
- Leave early
- Leave the meeting and don’t meet/greet anyone
- Don’t volunteer to assist with the organization
- Don’t take advantage of the member perks/benefits
- Pay late or last minute
- Bring guests without informing the networking organization
Setting SMART goals for networking
SMART goal setting is a specific step by step approach to use with any goal setting. Lets first define SMART
- Specific – Clearly define the goal with precise details (Who, What, Where, Why).
- Measurable – Include criteria to track progress and determine success.
- Achievable – Ensure the goal is realistic and within reach given available resources.
- Relevant – Align the goal with broader objectives and priorities.
- Time-bound – Set a deadline to create urgency and maintain focus.
- Example of a SMART Goal:
- ❌ Vague Goal: “I want to improve my business.”
- ✅ SMART Goal: “I will increase my business revenue by 15% within the next six months by launching a new marketing campaign and improving customer engagement.”
Setting SMART goals for networking
- S: Develop referral relationship with 10 networking colleagues/alliances in EPO by the end of the year.
- M: Every meeting, I will secure 3 new contacts and set 3 new appointments before I leave.
- A: As the year proceeds, I may need to adjust how many contacts and appointments I make depending on the outcomes I accomplish with 3 each meeting.
- R: If I accomplish my goal, I will need to determine if my goal of securing 10 more relationships results in my financial goals being met.
- T: I will need to assess if each of my meetings results in the receipt of new clients and increased revenue. I will build in specific follow up plans as I meet with each person.
In Conclusion
Networking is an absolute necessity for businesses in healthcare and the senior care space. Business owners must design a specific set of measurable goals for their marketing efforts and be sure the professionals attending networking events, are capable of achieving goals. Successful businesses must build networking into their organizational goals. Do you struggle with networking goals? Call me for a free 15 minute consultation and explore how to improve your networking strategies!