TIN #106 - If You Want To Get Results With Your Networking, Do This One Thing That Most People Aren't Doing
How to Identify Your Ideal Networking Connection (INC)
Hey there my fellow introverts!
Are you connecting with a lot of people, but feel like you’re not getting anywhere?
I want to talk about why your networking efforts might not be as fruitful as you'd like.
Even if you're reaching out to a lot of people, there might be a key element missing:
Your Ideal Networking Connection, or INC.
Below, I’ll explain what this is and why you need it to get your networking unstuck!
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
My online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers. Learn the process I use everyday to grow my professional network.
Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and subscribe to my podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more networking tips and insights.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
What is an Ideal Networking Connection (INC)?
Think of it like a business’s ideal customer profile, or ICP.
Every business has a specific customer they target because that’s who will buy their product.
Similarly, you need to identify your Ideal Networking Connection.
Ask yourself:
Who is this person?
Where do they work?
What do they do for a living?
What are their attributes?
Is this person:
Someone who's made a career pivot?
Someone who recently went through a job search?
Someone who works at a company you’re interested in?
Defining your INC helps you focus on connecting with the right people.
Why You Need an INC
Many people feel like they’re networking tirelessly without making progress.
They send connection requests on LinkedIn, but the connections don’t lead anywhere.
This frustration often stems from confusing activity with progress.
If you're doing the same thing repeatedly without results, it’s time to change your approach.
Having an INC gives your networking efforts direction and purpose.
It's like having a Target Company List (TCL), another crucial job search tool I often talk about.
Your INC is an extension of this list.
When you identify people working at your target companies, you’re not just looking for any connection but a specific one that aligns with your career goals.
How to Create Your INC
To create your INC, get as specific as possible:
Job Titles: What positions are they in?
Departments: What part of the company do they work in?
Experience: Have they made a career move similar to what you’re considering?
This specificity helps your network help you.
When you share detailed information about who you want to connect with, people can think, "Do I know someone who fits this profile?"
Even if they don’t know someone directly, they might know someone who can get you closer to your INC.
The Power of Specificity
Getting specific might seem daunting.
You might worry that being too detailed will limit your connections.
However, the opposite is true.
Specificity makes it easier for your contacts to help you.
They might not know your exact INC, but they might know someone who can connect you to that person.
It’s about planting a seed in their mind, so they can recognize opportunities to connect you when they arise.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling with networking, it might be because you’re too broad.
Narrow down your focus.
Define your Ideal Networking Connection and see how it transforms your approach.
Try it out, and let me know how it goes.
I’m here to help you become a better networker.
Subscribe to the podcast, YouTube channel, and newsletter.
Reach out with your questions on LinkedIn.
Go out, have a great week, and ABC - Always Be Connecting.
Before You Go…
If you haven’t updated your LinkedIn profile in awhile, this guide from Sarah Johnston will walk you through how to give it a major facelift.