The numbers game - why networking KPIs matter and how to set them - Simone Douglas

Introduction

As you go forward with networking, you can become more specific about the kinds of events that you’re going to, and the kind of people you’re meeting. You don’t have to go to things that are advertised as networking events, and in fact it’s probably better to limit your attendance to once a month at these kinds of mass unstructured networking events like your local chamber meetings . 
 
This is because these kinds of events often comprise start-up businesses and owner-operator businesses with small budgets. If those people are your target market, then that’s fine and this type of networking event will clearly benefit you. 
 
Understanding your target customer is important, but you then need to spider-web it out and keep on networking with new people to increase your circle of influence. There could be a tug on any of the threads. 
 
Generally speaking, if you’re looking to create links with industries outside the one you work in, there will be associate memberships available. For example, the South Australian Tourism Council offers professional membership to people in other industries. Social Media AOK is a professional member of the SA Tourism Council, which means that we can go and mix with all the tourism businesses, which is great, because they’re one of our key client segments.
 
It is easy to get distracted by all the noise in the business world at large but jump day is your chance to settle in and work on your business and this season on your networks in ways that allow you to make the most of your opportunities today, tomorrow and forever. 

IBGR is a global community of commerce committed to your success and our programming is designed to give you the tools and resources as well as the one percenters you might be missing So buckle up because it's time to take an objective look at whether or not you are truly a centre of influence on playing in the outfield.


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​Show Objectives - The Why

Understanding how to measure the success of your efforts is a critical aspect of relationship based selling and building robust networks.

A strategic approach will drastically increase your chance of success so today we are going to take a look at just how you can set both activity KPI’s and follow up KPI’s for your team that are SMART and keep both the team and the organisation on track for success.


Key Issues - Owner Perspective:

1. What should our success measures be when it comes to networking?
2. What is the difference between an activity KPI and an outcome KPI in networking?
3. How do I build an actionable Strategic Networking action plan that captures the individual and the organisation as a whole?
4. Why measure our networking efforts at all?

What You Need to Know - What we will be covering

1. Start at the top - why your topline business goals should drive your networking KPI’s and activity.
2. Identifying the ponds you should play in
3. Setting your Strategic Networking Action Plan in the digital landscape
4. Identifying the follow ups that lead to success
5. Cross pollination the sleeping giant of networking

 
A strong network of peers and business contacts is a key success factor for small companies. Research shows that thriving entrepreneurs rely heavily on their networks for sales, problem solving, hiring and finding vendors and other resources. By spending time mapping out your plan for the organisation and for the team you are better able to communicate the “why” of networking as well as gaining clarity around the desired outcomes and how you will measure them.


What you need to do​ today
 

1. Identify your business critical goals for next quarter, and year
2. Map out their individual networking strategies and KPI’s
3. Map out the follow up and cross pollination opportunities and expectations.
4. Plan to spend time putting lessons learnt and aha moments into practice.  Let me know how it goes.
5. ACT! Nothing changes if you don’t set aside time to make it happen so once you have worked out what you need to do start putting timelines and deliverables on your action plan. 

 
Shows
Previous: Episode C4.10 
Succession planning - how to build a team of master networkers - The importance of leading by example and role modelling for your team
 
Next: Episode C4.12 
The true power of a robust network - Where can your networks take you and how do you let them

Written by Simone Douglas 
The Publican & Licensee of the Duke of Brunswick Hotel, Executive Director for BNI Adelaide North one of the biggest networking organisations in the world, the driving force behind South Australia’s leading social media agency, Social Media AOK and best-selling author with her first book “Seriously Social – turning your online game into real-world gain”. and  “The Confident Networker”

Simone also serves as Deputy President of the State Chapter Committee South Australia for the Franchise Council of Australia and sits on the Franchise Advisory Council for BNI Australia

You can connect with Simone on any of her seriously social platforms
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