How do you evaluate your network's value and avoid wasting time?

There is no network that won't add VALUE, but the whole point is that you need to be clear about what your OUTPUT should look like, at the end of the day. And thus, begin by identifying your goals. eg: A musician would reap MAXIMUM benefits in the music industry, if they network with fellow musicians, and might find themselves "wasting time" with people who don't align with their thoughts/don't resonate with their end goals.

Avaliar o valor da rede requer uma análise de reciprocidade e relevância. Pondere a qualidade dos contatos mais do que a quantidade: conexões que desafiam, ensinam e apoiam são as mais valiosas. Priorize tempo em relações que ampliem horizontes profissionais e pessoais, e esteja disposto a desinvestir de conexões estagnadas, tóxicas para evitar a dissipação de energia em relações que não agregam valor. Isso serve para tudo na vida!

Goal-setting is a two-way street. Sometimes, you're driven by specific goals, seeking the right connections to propel you forward. Other times, it's about surveying your network, recognizing the potential it holds, and aligning it strategically with your evolving goals. It's a dynamic interplay where clarity on objectives fuels effective networking, and a robust network, in turn, opens doors to diverse goals, creating a cycle of growth and achievement.

In my personal opinion, when it comes to networking, time is an invaluable resource. By identifying our objectives/goals, we can focus our efforts more effectively, ensuring that every interaction benefits our network and steers clear of the dangers of mindless wandering. 

Identifying your goals is like setting a destination before starting a journey. It's about knowing what you want to achieve or where you want to go. For example, your goal might be to build a successful career, start a business, or learn a new skill. By knowing your goals, you can focus your efforts and resources in the right direction, avoiding wasting time on things that don't contribute to your objectives.

Los objetivos son fundamentales. Y es importante que realmente sean objetivos (ya sabes, S-M-A-R-T). Un ejercicio muy recomendable es ponerlos por escrito y así lo veremos más claramente

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND Getting clear on the end destination will help you to find the most effective route of getting there. By having a clear understanding of what you want your networking to help you achieve, it will help you to ensure you are networking in the right places and amongst the right people to help you achieve your goals.

Clearly defining your goals is a foundational step before engaging in networking activities. Whether you aim to find a mentor, secure a business partner, attract clients, or build friendships, understanding your objectives guides your networking approach. If you're seeking skill acquisition, feedback, or exploring new fields, your goals shape whom you target and what you offer in return. Specific and realistic goals not only facilitate progress measurement but also allow for strategic adjustments as needed during your networking journey.

Connecting without expectation is where opportunities are found. What role could they play? If they are not a client will they be a Resource, Referral Partner, Collaborator, Mentor, even a lesson on what you do not want to be. Strategically viewing each connection for a multitude of potential benefits, either a benefit to yourself or someone in you existing network will keep you from letting shortsighted, tunnel vision from impacting your future success. But don't get so caught up in collecting people you forget to ask the most important question: Is this someone I want to be connect to? Remember when you refer others, you are loaning them your professional reputation. Make sure they will make you look like the rockstar you are.

To effectively evaluate your network's value and avoid wasting time, start by clearly defining your networking goals, such as gaining industry insights, connecting with someone in particular, or finding job opportunities. Segment your network based on relevance, industry, expertise, or relationship strength to manage your contacts more efficiently.

Think about the connections you have: Are they supportive, knowledgeable, and helpful? Do they offer opportunities or guidance? By understanding the quality of your network—how strong and beneficial those connections are—you can prioritize who to spend time with and who can help you reach your goals. This helps you avoid wasting time on relationships that don't offer much value.

The best way to check the quality of your network is by periodically putting it to the test! One effective way I've found to do this is by hosting networking events. These can be any kind of event: a big social, a small happy hour, an online webinar, an offline seminar, a serious mastermind, an impromptu lunch, or anything in between. Set a headcount goal, a venue, a topic, and invite people from your network! Do people come? Do they invite their friends? If you want help with an introduction do they help provide it? Now here's the magic: regardless of your network's quality at the moment, YOU can actively make it better through these events! Make moments, add value, and create more meaningful relationships by bringing people together.

In networking, quality indeed outweighs quantity. A large network of superficial connections offers limited value compared to a smaller group of strong, meaningful relationships. Evaluating your network based on relevance, diversity, trust, reciprocity, and influence ensures its effectiveness. Relevance ensures alignment with your goals, diversity brings varied perspectives, trust fosters reliability and support, reciprocity ensures balanced interactions, and influence enhances the impact of your connections. Focusing on these criteria helps build a network that provides substantial and actionable benefits, fostering more rewarding and impactful professional relationships.

ASESS YOUR CURRENT NETWORK We all have a network that we have accrued in our lives, through school, university, work and personal experiences. When you look at this network are there people within it that can help you to achieve your end goal? Are they from the right industry? Do they have the expertise, interests and values that align with your goals? If the answer is no then you will likely want to have a strategy to grow your connections and expand your network.

To assess the quality of a network, look at relevance, diversity, trust, reciprocity and influence. Relevance measures the extent to which your contacts match your goals and interests, while diversity assesses the variety of backgrounds, expertise and perspectives in your network. Trust refers to the trustworthiness and support of your contacts, reciprocity measures the balance and reciprocity of interactions, and influence assesses the impact and influence of your contacts in their respective fields or networks. Focusing on these quality criteria increases the effectiveness of your networking efforts.

I would say that you should evaluate your network based on the following criterias : relevance, diversity, trust, reciprocity, influence, overall network health, continuous improvement and leveraging quality. Consequently, you can identify areas for improvement, strengthen valuable connections and ensure that your network aligns with your professional objectives. Prioritizing quality over quantity cultivates a robust network capable of driving meaningful advancements and mutual support.

Parfois, les choses simples sont les meilleures. Prenez une feuille Excel et créez un tableau avec les critères de vos contacts (nom, prénom, fonction, votre lien de relations, où vous les avez rencontrés, votre moyen de communication, votre dernière prise de contact, etc.). Oui, cela prendra du temps car nous avons tous un grand réseau, mais ne mentionnez que les personnes qui ont eu un impact significatif dans votre parcours entrepreneurial et personnel. Même si elles ne vous apportent pas les éléments ou les réponses que vous souhaitez, leur soutien réchauffe votre cœur. Notez-les !

Consider the alignment of your network with your goals. Ask yourself, "Do the people in my network support my career aspirations and personal growth?" Reflect on whether these connections offer opportunities for learning, mentorship, or collaboration that drive you towards your objectives. Next, evaluate the reciprocity within your network by questioning, "Is there a mutual exchange of value?" Strong networks are characterized by a balance of give and take, where support and resources flow both ways.

There is only one true thing about networking : YOU HAVE TO GIVE BEFORE YOU CAN THINK ABOUT RECEIVING. You've clearly established your objectives, and now you want to develop your network and increase its value. Now it's time to go to events and join clubs to meet new people. But make no mistake, you're not here to take, you're here to give. Engage in sincere conversations, ask questions, build strong relationships. Your network isn't just your number of LinkedIn subscribers.

Optimizing your network's value is like making the most out of your connections. It involves focusing on the people who can really help you and who you can help in return. Think about who in your network has the skills, knowledge, or resources you need to reach your goals. Spend more time nurturing those relationships and less time on ones that don't offer as much value. By doing this, you make sure your network is working for you, helping you save time and achieve more.

TEST & ITERATE Try new ways of networking and making new connections. For example networking events, social networking & 1:1 coffee catch ups. Learn what works and what doesn't feel right for you. Optimise what works best for you and what yields the best results. ADD VALUE TO OTHERS If you add value to your network, it will return this value to you. What you put in you will get out, and people like to help and reciprocate. BE CONSISTENT Relationships are nurtured over time. You cannot call someone out of the blue when you need something and expect them to help. Be consistent in connecting with your network and in enriching your relationships with value over time.

After identifying your networking goals and evaluating the quality of your network, you must optimize its value. This involves strengthening existing relationships, expanding your network to take advantage of new opportunities, or eliminating unproductive or toxic connections. Relationships can be strengthened through follow-ups, providing value, seeking feedback, and expressing gratitude. Expanding your network involves leveraging existing contacts, participating in events, joining online communities, and reaching out to potential connections. Pruning your network involves prioritizing your time and energy, setting boundaries, and respectfully ending relationships that don't positively contribute to your goals.

Indeed - By implementing the strengthening existing relationships, expanding network, pruning your network, goal-aligned actions, value-centric approach and ethical considerations tailored to your networking goals and the quality of your connections, you can optimize your network's value. This approach ensures that your efforts are directed toward fostering meaningful relationships, expanding opportunities and creating a network that truly serves your professional objectives.

To achieve personal branding and success, networking is a definitely must. You have to be out there, both physically and vocally, and that's exactly how you can create your personal value and that's how others will see that value in you. Hope this will help you and God bless!

To optimize your network's value, actively seek out new connections that align with your goals and interests. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with like-minded individuals. Being proactive in your networking efforts can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Moreover, always be willing to provide value to your network by sharing knowledge, offering assistance, and making introductions. This reciprocity fosters a strong, supportive network where value flows both ways.

Evaluating the value of your network and avoiding time waste hinges on focusing on quality over quantity. Opt for networks where selling is not the primary agenda, ensuring that interactions are genuine and centered on mutual growth. Seek out networks with moderated sessions, as this promotes structured and meaningful exchanges. Exclusivity is key; participate in groups where competitors are not allowed, fostering a more open and trusting environment. Finally, ensure all members sign an NDA. This guarantees a safe space for discussing work-related challenges, enhancing the network's value and relevance to your professional life.

Don’t take it personally if there’s a lack of desire to get to know you better or a lack of response to your message. It’s probably due to the number of issues the person is currently working on. If you're really keen on making contact, make sure your message is clear, concise, and to the point. As the saying goes, 'if the door doesn't open, try the window' - look for other official methods of reaching out :) It worked for me many times.

Contrary to popular belief up to 80% of professional do not understand Why network is important to long term success. They will repeat the cliches but they won't practice the skills. They don't even know them. Remembering this when you are being strategic and intentional with who you are connecting with will lessen the feeling of rejection or dismissal. If they are heavy in traditional sales or marketing training, they are looking for only one outcome, the one that benefits them. They don't even realize how much work they are making for themselves in the future. You are practicing an Advanced Skill. With intentional strategy and multiple purposes, designed to make you productive vs busy. They are just taking inconsistent shots in the dark.

Successful networking requires strategic planning and consistent effort. To avoid common pitfalls, it's crucial to have a clear purpose and plan for your networking activities. Be proactive and consistent in your approach, maintaining regularity in your networking efforts. Research your contacts thoroughly to engage in meaningful conversations. Prompt and regular follow-ups demonstrate your commitment. Avoid networking solely when in need, as this may be perceived as opportunistic. Be selective in choosing your network connections, ensuring alignment with your goals and values. By steering clear of these pitfalls, your networking endeavors can be more purposeful, effective, and mutually beneficial.

Absolutely - by evading common networking pitfalls through purposeful engagement, genuine intentions and a focus on quality relationships, networking efforts can yield meaningful and enduring professional connections. That´s the importance of strategic, genuine and ethical networking practices to achieve lasting and valuable professional relationships.

Steer clear of superficial networking, where the focus is solely on quantity over quality. Such interactions often lead to transactional relationships that lack depth and genuine connection. Instead, invest time in building meaningful relationships by engaging in thoughtful conversations, offering help without immediate expectations of return, and maintaining regular contact.

Improving your networking skills starts with this realization; Networking is an Activity. Connection is the goal. When you realize this and begin viewing it this way, you begin to see just how many opportunities we are surrounded by to grow our networks. You are there to START something new, not to close a deal. Mastering this skill starts with finding out how you like to connect with others. Do you like maintaining relationships, creating new opportunities, getting introduced to bigger room, or planning the roadmap? Put yourself in the activities' (landscape) you are most natural in, while learning how to navigate the other styles, including dealing with frustrations. Remember it's not about the activity its about the connection.

Improving your networking skills is an ongoing process that involves learning, adapting and refining your approach. Observe successful networkers, seek advice, and dive into their experiences to gain insight. Experiment with various platforms, tools, and strategies to find the one that works best for you. Evaluate your networking activities, keeping detailed records of contacts and results. Use metrics like referrals, leads, conversions, or testimonials to measure the effectiveness and value of your network. By adopting a continuous improvement mindset and implementing these strategies, you can hone your networking skills, cultivate meaningful connections, and ensure your networking efforts are efficient and rewarding.

LEAN IN TO WHAT YOU ENJOY Networking should be enriching. Try to find the aspects of networking that you enjoy the most and level up in that area. This will help you to enjoy the process and have fun in your interactions with others, leading to better outcomes and consistency.

To improve your networking skills, focus on genuine relationship-building. Approach networking with a mindset of giving rather than just taking, offering assistance and sharing valuable insights. Be an active listener, showing genuine interest in others' needs and experiences. Follow up consistently to maintain relationships, and leverage social media platforms to stay engaged and visible.

Here's the hard truth: Your time is finite. Wasting it on mediocre connections and lukewarm opportunities is like throwing your most precious resource into a black hole. Evaluate your network with the precision of a surgeon and the ruthlessness of a street fighter. If they're not in the ring with you, ready to go toe-to-toe, they're out. This isn't about being nice; it's about being strategic. Forge connections that matter, where the value exchange is so intense, it's undeniable. Become indispensable. That's how you build a network that doesn't just take up space but elevates you, pushing you toward goals with the force of a thousand allies. Anything less is a disservice to your potential.

Meiner Meinung nach sind beim Networking die 4 M’s entscheidend. Man Muss Menschen Mögen. Bringen sie ihrem Gegenüber wahres Interesse und Wertschätzung entgegen.

Fostering meaningful connections within the network. It's not just about the number of contacts, but the quality of interactions and mutual support. You can organizing peer group meeting, focused group discussions or mentorship pairings. It can lead to deeper relationships, ensuring you to not only connect but also genuinely benefit from each other's experiences and insights. This approach can transform a vast network into a tight-knit community, enhancing its overall value.

HAVE FUN We are all human. Humans gravitate towards tasks, topics and people when they find them enjoyable and fun. The more you can imbue your relationships with a sense of positivity, high energy and fun, the more you will get out of them.

People often have a tendency to build unrealistic perceptions of individuals known to the wider public or industry experts. They place them on an incredibly high pedestal that seems impossible to reach. I myself have experienced increased cognitive stress before scheduled meetings with experts from the industry, whom I knew only as an observer of their professional endeavors. However, to my surprise, I found that they were just as anxious as I was! They are the same people who enjoy meeting new ones and sharing their knowledge, they just don’t always have the time or inclination at the same moment as you.

As a member of EGN peer groups, one can evaluate the network's value by observing personal and professional growth. Members assess the quality and depth of interactions, valuing insightful and supportive exchanges. The diversity of perspectives within the group is crucial, enriching learning and problem-solving. Opportunities for collaboration arising from the network are also key indicators of its strength. Members are recommended to set specific goals for each interaction and use regular feedback for continuous improvement. This approach aligns with EGN's ethos of 'Making Each Other Better,' fostering authentic connections within the network.

1. Define Your Objectives 2. Categorize Your Connections based on their relevance to your goals. 3. Evaluate Contribution and Reciprocity 4. Assess Quality Over Quantity 5. Review Your Network Regularly 6. Identify Key Influencers Cultivate and nurture relationships with these individuals as they may open doors to new opportunities. 7. Seek Diversity as it can provide a broader range of insights and opportunities. 8. Measure Networking ROI 9. Engage in Meaningful Interactions Go beyond small talk and contribute to the depth of your relationships. 10. Be Selective in Accepting New Connections 11. Set Boundaries, avoiding overcommitting to activities. 12. Valuate Personal Growth This connection has positively impacted your development?