Networking is a crucial aspect of business success. According to research conducted by Harvard Business Review, strong professional networks have been linked to increased job satisfaction, faster career advancement, and better job opportunities.

However, networking can also be time-consuming and ineffective if not approached with a clear strategy in mind. In this article, we’ll explore the steps that I personally took to go from 8 fruitless networking meetings a week to 4 productive and profitable connections.

As a fractional COO or operations manager, I fully understand the importance of effective networking. The success of your business is often dependent on your ability to network and collaborate with others. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that “the more, the merrier.” You may find yourself scheduling an average of 8 new networking meetings a week, only to look back and realize that none of these meetings resulted in anything of significance. This can be a waste of time, energy, and resources.

That’s why it’s crucial to approach networking with a clear avatar of who you want to meet and why. This clarity will help you stay focused on creating valuable relationships with the right people. Before scheduling a networking call with anyone, it’s essential to ensure that you have something in common. A “blind date” meeting can be the biggest waste of your time and energy. To ensure a productive meeting, consider asking the following questions:

Who do you serve?

What do you help them do?

Research has shown that people tend to be more successful in business when they build strong relationships. According to a study by the University of Cambridge, having a strong network can increase the likelihood of finding new business opportunities by as much as 58%. 

So, it’s crucial to approach networking with a clear intention of who you want to meet and why.

Additionally, research has shown that people who network in an intentional and focused manner tend to see better results. For example, a study by the Wharton School of Business found that people who attend networking events with a clear strategy and a set of goals in mind tend to establish more valuable connections than those who attend events with a more passive attitude.

One of the best ways to maximize your networking time and effort is to outsource certain tasks to a certified online business management agency. Your operations management support should be well-versed in the latest industry best practices and can help take your business to the next level. As an online business manager or OBM, I know the value of outsourcing certain tasks to free up your time and focus on core business functions. 

An online business management agency can help maximize your networking activities by implementing follow up systems, enabling you to focus on growing your business.

Finally, it’s essential to be intentional, selective, and focused when it comes to building your professional network.

Research has shown that people who focus on building strong relationships tend to be more successful in business than those who approach networking in a more passive manner. 

According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, people who build strong professional networks are more likely to receive promotions and experience faster career advancement than those who don’t.

In conclusion, networking is a vital aspect of business success. 

By approaching networking with a clear strategy, you can maximize your time and effort, and establish valuable relationships that will benefit your business for years to come. 

The key is to be intentional, selective, and focused on creating mutually beneficial connections. 

With the help of a certified online business management agency, you can streamline your networking activities, build stronger relationships, and ultimately achieve greater success in your professional endeavor.