Networking can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are an introvert or prefer a structured plan over “mixing.” When you break it down into manageable steps, networking becomes much more approachable. Whether you want to advance your career, grow your business, or simply improve your effectiveness at getting things done, a structured networking system can make all the difference.
By using an A, B, and C list approach, you can identify key people in your network and manage how you interact with them. This method helps you prioritize your connections, ensuring you build meaningful relationships that support your goals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating and organizing your network.
1. Identify Your Purpose for Networking
Before diving into building your network, it’s essential to clarify why you’re networking in the first place. Different goals require different kinds of networks. For example, if you’re looking to:
- Advance your career, you’ll need contacts in your industry, mentors, and leaders who can offer advice and open doors.
- Complete a home renovation, you’ll want connections with contractors, designers, and people with similar experiences.
- Boost your daily productivity, you might focus on colleagues and peers who help streamline your work.
While you can build multiple networks over time, start with a single purpose so that your system is targeted and manageable.
2. Brainstorm Everyone You Know
Now that you know why you’re networking, it’s time to brainstorm. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write down the names of everyone who comes to mind. Don’t worry if you don’t remember full names or specific details—just list people based on memory. These should be people you know personally, not just those you follow on social media or connect with online.
This exercise will help you realize how many people you already have access to and set the foundation for sorting them into a system.
3. Sort Names Into Three Lists
Once you have your list of names, sort them into three categories:
- List A (Closest Contacts): These are the people you see or work with regularly, possibly even daily. They might be colleagues, close friends, or family members who are highly accessible.
- List B (Dependable Contacts): These are people you depend on, or who depend on you, for results, but who you don’t see as often. You have a solid connection, but not frequent contact.
- List C (Distant Contacts): This list includes everyone else—acquaintances, people you’ve lost touch with, or those who might not seem directly relevant to your current goal.
4. Prioritize Your Lists
With your A, B, and C lists in place, it’s time to prioritize them. Think about who, in each group, is most valuable to your networking goal. For example, if you’re focused on career advancement, you might place a mentor at the top of your A list, a former colleague with relevant expertise at the top of your B list, and an industry leader you met once at the top of your C list.
This process isn’t about judging someone’s worth as a person. It’s about assessing who is in the best position to help you achieve your networking purpose.
5. Decide How Many People to Reach Out To
Next, determine how many people you want to reach out to from each list. If you’re more introverted, you might prefer to start small and keep the list manageable. Extroverts might choose to connect with more people right away.
There’s no perfect number, but it’s helpful to have an idea in mind. Start by selecting a few from each list that you feel would be the most beneficial to connect with right now.
6. Plan Your Communication Frequency
Now, create a rough plan for how often you’ll reach out to each group. You’ll naturally interact with people on your A list more often, but that doesn’t mean you’re having in-depth conversations about your goals. Schedule time to connect meaningfully with your A-list contacts, even if it’s only monthly or quarterly.
For your B and C lists, aim to touch base less frequently, perhaps quarterly for the B group and annually for the C group. Adjust the frequency based on the nature of your relationships and the value they bring to your current networking goal.
7. Start With the Easiest Connections
When you’re ready to start reaching out, begin with the people you feel most comfortable with. Transparency is key—let them know you’re working on building or strengthening your network. Propose a meeting type that fits the relationship, whether it’s a casual coffee chat, lunch, or even a quick phone call.
If you’ve lost touch with someone, don’t overthink the message. A simple, “I’ve been thinking about you and would love to reconnect,” can be all it takes to re-establish communication.
8. Be Genuinely Interested in Others
During your meetings, focus on getting to know the other person. Ask how they reached their level of expertise, what they care about, and how they approach their work or projects. Share your goals and ask for their advice or perspective.
Always end the conversation with gratitude, and if it makes sense, ask if they know one or two other people you should connect with. This is how you can naturally grow your network over time. When you contact the new person, let them know who gave you their name and why they suggested you talk, and then just ask if you could get their perspective and advice for 20 minutes.
9. Follow Up With Gratitude and Thoughtfulness
After each meeting, send a follow-up message expressing your gratitude for their time and insights. Keep their priorities in mind for future interactions. If you come across a useful resource or article that reminds you of something they mentioned, share it with them. These small acts of thoughtfulness go a long way in maintaining and strengthening relationships.
Additional Tips for Successful Networking
- Time Matters: The stronger your relationship with someone, the more time you can propose to spend together.
- Take Responsibility for Follow-ups: When leaving messages, keep the ball in your own court. Instead of saying, “Call me back when you get this,” let them know you’ll reach out again if you don’t hear from them. This makes it easier for them and shows that you’re committed to building the connection.
Bottom Line
Networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using a clear and simple system with A, B, and C lists, you can prioritize your relationships, reach out in a thoughtful way, and build a network that supports your goals.
Take the first step today: define your purpose for networking and start brainstorming your lists. Reach out to a few key people, and watch your network grow and strengthen over time.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about where to begin, take this along with your questions to your coach if you have one, and if you don’t, then consider working with a leadership coach. They can help guide your networking strategy, provide personalized advice, and support you as you build meaningful connections for both your personal and professional growth.
