TIN #057 - Level Up Your Network: The Networking Plan Introverts Need
Boost Your Networking Success with A Preventive Maintenance Strategy
Hey there, fellow introverted networkers!
This week, I've got something a bit different in store for you.
Of course, we're diving into the realm of networking, but this idea came to me while scrolling through my LinkedIn feed.
This issue takes less than 4 minutes to read.
Want more networking tips? Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. Listen to The Introverted Networker podcast. It's like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from Greg. I send you an email each week with the link to the podcast.
Preventive Maintenance (PM) For Your Career
I have a bunch of friends on LinkedIn who often discuss networking, career advice, and resumes.
One post caught my eye from a guy named Steve Brady.
You might know him—I've mentioned him before.
He's a fantastic source for resumes and career coaching.
Definitely worth a follow.
He suggested spending just 20 minutes every couple of months to update your LinkedIn profile.
This got me thinking about a concept called preventive maintenance.
We often hear about it in businesses with assets and equipment that need regular checks to avoid costly breakdowns.
Even in our homes, we change furnace filters and keep smoke detectors updated.
Cars need oil changes to keep running smoothly.
Anything that needs upkeep to prevent breakdowns or inefficiencies is a candidate for preventive maintenance.
How To Create A Networking PM Plan?
As introverted networkers, I always stress the importance of nurturing our networks, expanding them, and dedicating time to building connections.
But let's approach it from a different angle: imagine your network as an asset—a valuable resource.
If we neglect it, it might not function as well as we want it to.
So, why not create a preventive maintenance plan for our networks?
This ensures growth, vitality, and readiness when opportunities arise.
Let's break down the elements of a preventive maintenance plan and how they relate to networking:
Let’s dive into the details!
Inventory Your Assets (Your Connections): Start by taking stock of your existing connections.
Dive into your LinkedIn data archive to find your first-degree connections. Remember, I showed you how to do this in TIN #011 - How To Network On LinkedIn - Part 3. I also talked about this last week on LinkedIn.
Also, if you want to start tracking your connections, you can use the 5-25-150 method I shared with you in TIN #035 - How To Mange Your List Of Networking Connections
Scheduled Inspections (Check-ins): Just like regular check-ups, set aside time to send messages or emails to your connections. Make it a part of your routine or schedule it on your calendar. Even 15 minutes a day will grow your network.
Routine Maintenance Tasks (Act on Your Schedule): Stick to your plan. If you've scheduled interactions, follow through. Regular engagement builds and maintains relationships.
Documentation (Take Notes): Keep track of interactions. Jot down key points from conversations. This helps you remember details and strengthens connections. This can be part of the 5-25-150 method I just mentioned.
Predictive Techniques (Opportunistic Networking): View every interaction as a networking opportunity. Engage in conferences, events, and social gatherings with a networking mindset. If you expect you’re going to be networking, you’ll be prepared when it happens.
Training (Develop Your Skills): Work on your networking and communication skills. Seek out resources like this newsletter or other networking guides. Learn about storytelling. I recently came across this article called How to Become a
Better Conversationalist. Spoiler alert: Tell better stories!Spare Parts Management (Conversation Starters): Have conversation starters ready. Ask questions about others' interests, achievements, and experiences. This reduces conversation anxiety. There are easy questions you can ask like, “Tell me about yourself?”
But, this is generic question. Be more interesting. Ask something like,
“What are you working on this week?”
“What was your biggest accomplishment this past month?”
“When’s your next vacation and where are you going?”
These will get the conversation going, so have a few of these in your back pocket so you aren’t scrambling to think of what to say.
Emergency Plans (Quick Networking Responses): Be prepared to network unexpectedly. Craft a concise answer to "What do you do?"—a key networking icebreaker. This happens when other people start asking you questions.
Remember, back in TIN #044 - How to Create an Engaging Introduction that Leaves a Lasting Impression I shared a great TedX talk that teaches you how to answer this question.
Feedback (Learn and Improve): Seek feedback on your networking efforts. Feel free to share comments or ask questions here.
You can also use my networking chatbot for advice. It’s trained on my book and newsletters so anything you ask it is going to be close to the answer I would give you.
Continuous Improvement (Adapt and Evolve): If something isn't working, adjust your approach. Don't be afraid to try new strategies and learn from your experiences.
This preventive maintenance plan gives structure to your networking efforts.
By approaching networking as an ongoing project, you're more likely to see consistent growth and meaningful connections.
Remember, you can find a detailed version of these steps in the audio podcast and the video on my YouTube channel.
If you're looking to build a networking plan, this issue is your roadmap.
Have a fantastic week, and keep building those connections!