TIN #125 - How to Make Your Networking New Year's Resolutions Stick
Build Meaningful Professional Relationships in 2025
New Year, New Networking Goals
The start of a new year often brings resolutions—promises to ourselves to become better, healthier, or more connected.
But by mid-February, most resolutions fade, and we slip back into old habits.
Networking is no exception.
If becoming a better networker is on your list for 2025, let’s ensure you set yourself up for success with a plan that sticks.
This issue takes about 5 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 check out the previous episodes of the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more networking tips and insights.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
Step 1: Start with Your "Why"
Before jumping into networking ask yourself:
Why do you want to become a better networker?
Your "Why" acts as your North Star, guiding you when motivation wanes.
Common “Whys” include:
Finding a new job
Growing your business
Meeting interesting people and learning from them
Once you identify your purpose, write it down.
Keep it visible as a reminder of why networking matters to you.
It’s easier to stay consistent when you tie your actions to a meaningful goal.
For me, my “Why” this year, the one thing I’m focusing on in all my networking in 2025 is one word:
TRUST
Whether you’re building external or internal relationships, trust is the cornerstone of networking.
Intentional conversations foster trust, and trust unlocks opportunities.
When you focus on helping others, they’re more likely to reciprocate.
As you network this year, remember: every relationship you build on trust has the potential to create new paths, solve problems, and open doors.
Step 2: Make Networking Manageable
Once you have your “Why,” you need a “How.”
You need a plan to grow your connections.
But you need a plan that is:
Intentional
Organic
Sustainable
All of these traits mean you need a plan you can follow for an extended period of time.
Networking isn’t a one weekend project; it’s about small, consistent actions.
Here’s a simple plan you can follow in just a few minutes each day:
Start with who you know: Spend 15 minutes listing 5-10 people you’d like to reconnect with—colleagues, old contacts, or even someone you haven’t spoken to in years.
Reach out: Send a quick email or LinkedIn message to the people on your list. Keep it light:
"Hey, I’ve been thinking about you and wanted to reconnect. How’s everything going?"
Follow up: When they reply, set up a call, video chat, or coffee meeting. Aim for a voice to voice conversation.
Listen and offer value: When you have your conversation, ask open-ended questions like:
"What are you working on?"
"What challenges are you facing?"
"What are your goals this year?"
After you ask these questions, LISTEN to what the other person says.
As you listen, think about how you can help—whether it’s advice, a recommendation, or an introduction. Find a way to GIVE the other person value.
Repeat: Consistency is key. Even if it’s one small action a day, those efforts add up.
Step 3: Build Habits, Not Hype
Most resolutions fail because people rely on the hype of the New Year’s resolution to motivate them.
But in order to success in making your resolution a reality, you need to focus on building sustainable networking habits:
Remember your “Why:” This can help you get back on track.
Start small: Spend 5-15 minutes a day on a networking task.
Be flexible: If you miss a day, don’t give up—just start again.
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge the connections you’ve rekindled and the new opportunities arising from your efforts.
Over time, these habits become part of your identity, and you’ll be recognized as someone with a strong, trusted network.
Networking Within Your Organization
Networking isn’t just for job seekers or entrepreneurs.
If you aren’t looking for a new job or starting a business, you can still benefit from growing your internal network at your company.
Building relationships within your company can:
Open doors to promotions
Help you understand organizational goals
Foster collaboration and problem-solving
Start by reaching out to colleagues you interact with only via email.
Set up short conversations to learn about their roles and goals.
These connections not only benefit your career but also enhance your understanding of the organization as a whole.
Leaders: Teach Networking to Your Teams
If you’re in a leadership role, empowering your team to network can have transformative effects:
Faster problem-solving: Employees who know colleagues across teams can find solutions without waiting for your direction.
Higher engagement: Building connections within the organization makes employees feel more invested.
Better collaboration: Networking helps teams work together seamlessly.
Encourage your team to develop professional relationships.
Teach them to network intentionally and organically to create a self-sufficient, high-performing team.
Your Next Step
Take one small action today: identify a person to reconnect with, send a note, or set up a call.
Each step you take builds momentum and moves you closer to your goals.
If you’re a leader or want help making networking a habit for your team, let me know—I’m here to guide you.
Until next time, go out there, meet interesting people, and always be connecting.
Before You Go…
Each week I share stuff I find out on the world. This week, Reno Perry shared a couple of networking email templates for connecting with people on LinkedIn. Check them out!