What's the difference? Isn't all networking the same, strategic or otherwise? Not really and if you want to get the most benefit out of the time you spend networking, you'll want to look at it strategically.
Networking is the simple process of building mutually beneficial, long-term relationships by sharing ideas, information and resources. If you add in sharing experiences, it sounds a great deal like making and keeping friends. Friendship isn't a strategic process, it just happens, right? For most people it does. We make friends with those we went to school with, work with and who know our families. But there are some people have developed strategic friendships. For example, someone trying to leave a gang or trying to avoid that environment will be very selective and strategic about the friends they make. You can do the same with your networking.
Most people network randomly. They attend events that appeal to them or fit their schedule without thinking about whether or not that event fits their long-term goals. Being strategic about your networking means that you will begin with a very clear description of who you need to meet. Is it your target market? Is it people who influence your target market? Do you need to meet people you can learn from in your industry? If you haven't thought about whom you want to meet, the rest of your efforts will be wasted.
Strategic business networking means that you will look at every event you attend with a goal in mind, whether it's a large mixer-type of event or a one on one coffee meeting. That goal may be to meet a specific person. It might be to be seen as supporting the organization. In a coffee meeting, you might have a specific proposal for the other person or you just want to build a foundation for the relationship. If you do not have a specific goal, you may find yourself drifting through the event and wasting your time.
The final, most important strategic move is to make sure that you follow up with every contact. This creates trust and you'll definitely stand out in the crowd since so few people do it. Networking gives you the opportunity to make promises and then show people that you can keep them. If you don't follow up on your new connections or with people you know, your networking efforts will be wasted.
Strategic networking requires just a little bit more effort to plan ahead and decide what your goals and actions will be for each time you connect with people. It also includes a careful plan to make sure that everyone who is expecting something from you gets it. If you're ready to make these few simple commitments, then strategic networking is right for you.
Beth Bridges has attended over 2,000 networking events in the last 7 years as the Membership Director and Chief Networking Officer of a large west coast chamber of commerce.
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