The Secret Formula for Successful Networking

If you're passive, you're not going to grow your network. If you're aggressive, you're not going to keep your network. So, what's the right balance for networking?

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I’ve been a member on LinkedIn for almost 20 years.

At least that’s what LinkedIn tells me…

And according to Eventbrite, I’ve hosted over 4,000 networking events.

So, what have I learned over this time?

Is there some secret formula that professionals use to network effectively?

Yes … and no.

First, I found that networking is desperately needed but greatly underutilized by most professionals.

Second, there is no universal, “get-rich-quick”-type of networking model that perfectly fits every professional in every situation.

But, there is a formula that seems to work for most everyone.

And it all begins with your purpose.

❤️ PURPOSE

Establishing your purpose provides you with direction.

For networking, you need to ask yourself …

• Who do I want to network with and why?

• What do I hope to accomplish with my networking?

• Where do I see myself in the future as a result of my networking?

• When do I want to accomplish my specific objectives

• Why do I want to achieve these things?

Once you’ve determined your “5 W’s”, you’ll want to start the planning process.

Your plan may involve one of the following:

1. Find a job

2. Generate referrals

3. Discover sales leads

4. Strategic - plans to build a long-term network

5. Other - share knowledge, build community, etc.

So, you’ve established your purpose for networking and started to plan.

What’s next?

Now is the time to determine the types of networking you need to be successful.

🆎 TYPES

The type of networking you do is directly related to your purpose (above).

Below are some examples of the different types of networking you should consider:

1. Social networking - networking on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other online platforms.

2. Business networking - when professionals pay to join a business networking group or attend business “mixers”.

3. Professional networking - LinkedIn provides the largest and most robust platform for your professional networking efforts.

4. Experimental networking - A relatively new term, this type of networking involves a lot of “trial and error” and requires a system that tracks results.

5. Strategic Networking - A combination of all the above, a system designed for this kind of networking may take a little more thought and effort but the long-term results are worth it.

But determining your networking types is not enough.

Next, you need to focus on the methods you need to employ to be successful.

📋 METHODS

After you selected what types of networking you want to do, the next step is to determine how you want to network with your selections.

For example:

1. In-Person Interaction

   • Professional associations, mixers, etc.

   • Business networking groups

   • Industry tradeshows

2. Online Meetings

   • One-on-one meetups

   • Group events

   • Webinars

3. Social Media Activity

   • LinkedIn

     • Postings - using posts and comments to network

     • Profiles - reach target professionals through profile searches

     • LinkedIn Groups - join to engage with peers with common interests

   • YouTube

     • Long-form video (tutorials and “how-to” videos)

     • Short-form video (YouTube shorts)

   • Etc.

These days, there are a lot of choices - almost too many. It can get confusing and unclear which ones to choose, and you could waste a lot of time on the wrong ones.

🧰 TOOLS

Next, you’ll want to decide what tools you want to utilize to connect with professionals and grow your network.

Some of the more popular networking tools include:

1. Virtual Platforms - Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets

2. CRM Software - Salesforce, Hubspot, Zoho

3. Collaboration Tools - Slack, Circle, Discord

4. Communication - email, automation, messaging

5. AI - ChatGPT, Gemini, Co-Pilot

Many of the tools you find today are free or have a nominal fee.

Some offer trial periods so you can test what works for you.

Selecting the right tools can be a game-changer for successful networking, so choose wisely.

Now, let’s look at the final and most important part of your network.

For your network's true value lies in its people.

👪 PEOPLE

The most vital piece to successful networking are your peeps!

People are the heart of your network.

And the secret to networking with people is to focus on the “real” relationships rather than “deal” relationships.

Real Relationships

People aren’t the key to building a successful network - the right people are!

Real relationships have the following characteristics:

• Two professionals are in a mutually beneficial relationship

• They genuinely care about each other and want to see each other succeed

• They are in long-term and even life-long relationships

In addition, the two people usually know something personal about each other (marriage status, kids, etc.) and eager to learn more about each other.

Deal Relationships

Deal relationships are superficial. There is a lot of small talk and rarely deep discussions. At least one person usually has a self-serving agenda.

Deal relationships usually have the following characteristics:

• The relationship revolves around “a deal”, transaction, or sale

• They are usually a one-sided (giver-taker, helper-user, talker-listener, etc.)

• Most often, they are short-term relationships

That said, deal relationships aren’t all bad. There are some professionals I’m more than happy to do business with and move on.

But it’s the real relationships that I believe most people are missing out on. They are often the life-changing, business-building, and career-making relationships that can impact a person the most.

✅ THE TAKEAWAY

After years-long, detailed analysis and deep intellectual studies, I’ve found the perfect networking formula is …

All kidding aside, the formula I’ve found to be used for the most successful networking experience is simply as follows:

SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING = Defined Purpose + Custom Networks + Target Platforms + Helpful Tools - Toxic People + (Supportive People x 100)

Remember, it takes time to build a long-term and successful network.

Some say it takes a lifetime and will always be a work-in-progress.

So be patient.

It’s worth it.

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

www.mikemarcellus.com

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👀 WHERE TO FIND ME

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-marcellus/

• X: https://twitter.com/TipclubInc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tipclub

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipclub.inc/

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tipclub.inc

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