Networking in the new year

It is a new year, full of excitement and possibilities. Positive energy flows, budgets are renewed and balanced, goals are set, and expectations are high. This is fertile ground for productive and successful networking. Smart networkers can really take off and make huge strides in their professional and social endeavors. Of course, being focused, consistent, and flexible are keys to achieving the desired success.

Listed below are practical and helpful tips to get the most out of your network over the next 365 days.

map ahead

Take inventory of your networking habits. Identify four out of five different events, activities, or people that positively influenced your network from the previous year. Reconnect and continue the relationships or connections that were established. In this new year, definitely pay attention to building and strengthening associations, connections, and affiliations. Be prepared and expect new opportunities and be open to change as you go about your business.

fast forward

As you plan ahead, consider your schedule for the coming year. You must begin to put things in their place and visualize your success strategies. Brainstorm and imagine where you would like to be in the future. What position would you like within your organization? What type of training, degrees or certifications would you like to obtain? What programs, projects, or ventures would you like to lead, facilitate, or create? What kind of people do you want to include in your network?

These tips can give you insight on how to generate results in your networking schemes. Keeping an eye on the coming year and planning ahead increases the success factor.