At the end of each year I find it helpful to review our successes and set goals for the year ahead. When I am working with members of my networking groups we always take a little time to do this review.

I make the assumption that you have established networking goals for your year. So if you have not, it is not too late, and I hope the suggestions help you see the need for focused goal setting.

So if you are ready, let's take a few moments to review our Networking Successes in 2008. Oh yes, please make sure that you write down the answers to each question.

1. What type of networking events did you attend? Chambers of Commerce, business luncheons, trade shows, BNI meetings? Where were they located?
2. How many did you attend each month? It is best to list them by month as well as location.
3. How many new networking relationships did you identify AND develop? Specifically, how did you go about identify those relationships and what did you do for follow up? Oftentimes the best networkers develop a list and make sure they contact the people on that list.
4. How many business referrals have you been able to provide to your new networking relationships? A good measure of success is to make sure you are able to identify good business referrals for the valued members of your business network.

Now that you have reviewed your Networking activities - did you hit your goals? Let's use this information for 2009.

Think refinement, targeted, effective activity that builds a strong network!

1. What type and how many networking events will you plan to attend monthly? Based on the review you made for 2008 did you notice trends in your networking, for instance, which events yielded the most beneficial relationships? Why?
2. How many new networking relationships do you want to establish monthly? Is it 3, 5, 9? What is manageable for you, especially understanding that you will need to MAINTAIN the existing and the new networking relationships? What is the most comfortable way for you to maintain the relationship with your existing and your new partners? Did you ask?
3. How will you measure the success of the new relationship? Is it through referrals, shared interests, or comfortable conversation?
4. What will be your referral goal for each networking relationship that you establish?

Yes, you need goals. I suggest you start small and establish confidence, trust, and respect in the networking relationships. I expect you will find that some relationships will become more valuable than others. Nurture those to a higher level. Enjoy the networking experience and celebrate the benefits that develop from meeting and working with your network partners.
See you at www.RutherfordBusinessAdvisor.com.