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Create a networking plan in 7 easy steps

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What’s a networking plan?

The importance of networking in the workplace, creating a networking plan: 7 steps, tips to improve your networking skills, enjoy a more connected future.

Sure, you can climb the corporate ladder independently, especially if you have talent, charisma, and motivation to spare . But you’ll be increasingly successful (and have more fun) if you have a professional network of friends, colleagues, and coaches at your side.

Building this professional network takes more than positive energy and being vocal about your job search . To re-establish business relationships and ensure people think of you when opportunities arise, you need a networking plan that defines your professional goals and compiles social support.

A networking plan outlines your career goals and everything you need to do networking-wise to achieve them. These plans typically include the following information: 

Professional goals: This could be anything from a new job to a promotion or raise . 

Networking goals: Here you’d define networking-specific goals, like gaining five more LinkedIn followers each week or speaking to three strangers at your next event. 

An assessment of your network: Evaluate existing contacts to identify your network’s strengths and any gaps. Your network shouldn’t be exclusively based on current colleagues if you want to find a new employer, for example, meaning that’s a gap you need to fill. 

A network wish list: Identify individuals whose addition to your network will help you reach your career goals. This might be a role model, advocate, or career coach . 

Everything’s easier with support. When you cultivate relationships — professionally and personally — you increase the likelihood these people think of you when opportunities arise. You also build a support system for when things get tough, like if you’re laid off or fired . 

Some great benefits of networking include: 

• Finding new job opportunities: According to a survey by hiring expert Lou Adler, 85% of jobs are filled via networking . Even when not executing a job search, your network can notify you of unexpected opportunities that advance your career. And when you refer a candidate for an open position, you save your employer 40% of the time it takes to hire for the role .
• Boosting creativity: Exchanging ideas with your network, sharing insights, and discussing trends add to your existing knowledge base and shift your perspective. These conversations catalyze innovation and creative problem-solving , benefiting all who participate.
• Demonstrating your skills: By demonstrating your skills and expertise during networking activities, you become familiar with each other’s strengths. Network members know who to recommend when someone needs professional services, and you can do the same for them.

Creating a career roadmap: You might think you have all the qualifications necessary to succeed, but with a well-rounded network, you can review your competencies against others on the same path.

By discussing credentials, you could discover valuable learning opportunities for professional development to take your career path in a new and exciting direction.

• Establishing a support system: When you network, you’re not only building a list of contacts — you’re establishing a community. And that community can become an essential source of mutual support when you face professional challenges.

Increasing brand awareness: Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting your first solo business , networking can help you build brand awareness so more people know about your offering.

Even if the contacts you’re approaching don’t convert to customers, they might keep you in mind when someone in their circle complains about an issue your product or service solves. 

• Building confidence: Networking forces you to face any nerves you have about attending social events, talking to new people, or asking for help. With practice, you gain the confidence to do things that might’ve made you nervous in the past, like giving a presentation at work or cold connecting on LinkedIn .

Your networking plan should be a well-informed, step-by-step roadmap that outlines relevant goals and what you need to do to achieve them within a set time frame. Here’s a seven-step guide to creating this roadmap. 

1. Cultivate the proper mindset 

Make sure you’re framing your networking efforts as a positive experience. Otherwise, the time and effort you’re about to spend might not feel worthwhile, and you could quit early or resent the process.

Instead, remember that this is an exciting opportunity to meet new people, cultivate deeper relationships , and discover growth opportunities. And if your more negative thoughts stem from imposter syndrome, meaning you feel you’re not good enough or don’t deserve help, try practicing affirmations for imposter syndrome such as “I am a strong and capable person” or “I am worthy of my achievements.”

2. Evaluate your current network

Considering existing professional connections, ask yourself the following: 

What are my professional goals?

How can the people in my network help me?

What value do I bring to my network? 

Are there any connections I should avoid (like with a difficult coworker , for example)?

What benefits does my network offer?

Is my network well-balanced and representative of my goals and industry?

Is there anyone else I can include who can contribute to my success?

The answer to these questions will help you identify gaps among your contacts and relationships requiring particular care and attention.

3. Create your wish list

Now that you’ve identified gaps, consider how to fill them. If no one comes to mind, think about where you might find these sorts of professionals, like LinkedIn communities or professional events you could attend. 

You should also include a section defining how you’d like to build upon already existing connections. Perhaps you’re acquaintances with an old coworker, for example, and would like to make this person an integral part of your network. 

4. Set networking goals

Based on your professional priorities, create a list of networking goals using the SMART framework (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely). Here’s an example of how you’d use this goal-setting method:

Step 1: Within the next [time period] I’ll [describe action] so that [career benefit]. I’ll know I’m making progress because of [outcome]. Example: By next month, I’ll contact five or more industry experts who can advise me on my professional development. I’ll have at least one informational interview to discuss my career’s next steps.

Step 2: To reach my goal, I’ll [list actionable items]. Example: I’ll meet industry experts to add to my network by attending my professional association’s next social event and one industry conference.

5. Prepare to connect

Once you’ve defined a list of people you’d like to connect with and how these relationships can help you reach your career goals, work on any verbal or nonverbal communication skills that may need improvement.

If you’re particularly nervous about starting conversations with strangers , for example, you could practice in settings where you feel the least intimidated, perhaps at a party or in a café.

Or maybe you’re uncomfortable when asking for help. You could start by requesting small favors from people you trust, like a friend or family member, and building this comfort before asking other professionals. 

6. Find a networking partner 

Everything’s easier with support — even networking itself. Ask friends and close coworkers if any of them are hoping to work on their networking skills and build a more robust professional community.

You can join forces to attend events, research wish list contacts, and discuss progress. Who knows — perhaps this partner will hear about an opportunity through their networking efforts that benefit you and vice versa. 

7. Go for it

It’s time to put yourself out there and reach out to wish list members. If you can’t meet in person, use a social media platform like LinkedIn, email, or phone calls to introduce yourself .

Explain who you are, what you do, and why you’re contacting. Keep your message brief and genuine, and remember to follow up once if you don’t receive a reply. 

Feeling nervous about networking is totally understandable. You’re putting yourself out there — talking to strangers, attending big events, asking for help — and that’s intimidating. But don’t let your fears hold you back .

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your networking experiences:

Practice gratitude: Whether it’s a one-on-one meeting or a financial investment in your latest venture, always express your gratitude for people’s help and reciprocate when you can. 

Prepare for each interaction: Effective networking requires preparation. Before heading out to an event or meeting, brainstorm a list of topics or questions to jump-start a conversation . If you know some wish list contacts will be there, research where you have common ground to help you two connect.

Stay organized: Create a calendar to keep track of networking events and use it to document the people you’ve met and when to follow up with contacts.

Don’t give up: Not every attempt to forge a new relationship will be successful. That’s OK. People are busy, and some contacts might even feel threatened by you . Don’t take it personally, and keep working toward your networking goals. Be consistent and you’ll see results.

Yes, executing a networking plan is about professional development. But it’s also about building a sense of belonging . You’re connecting with like-minded industry professionals, learning from them, and enjoying any opportunities they send you.

And you can do the same for them as you advance in your career. In the end, you’ve created a community of people focused on cultivating a growth mindset and continuously learning . And nothing’s better for your holistic development than that.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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The Complete Guide to Business Networking [+8 Key Tips You Should Leverage]

Published: February 13, 2023

Whether you're trying to grow your business or climb the career ladder, developing personal relationships with other business professionals is crucial. Business networking can open up doors. You’ll find new job opportunities, industry knowledge, recruitment leads, and prospective clients you might not have had access to otherwise.

In this guide, you'll learn what business networking is, the benefits of business networking, and some tips from real-life experts on how to build a strong business network

What is business networking?

The benefits of business networking, tips for business networking.

Business networking refers to the act of building relationships with other business professionals, potential customers, and suppliers to help you grow your business. The relationships you forge during networking are typically symbiotic. This means you offer something to these experts, such as advice, opportunities, or partnerships, in exchange for something in return.

Networking can happen face-to-face at business conferences, seminars, social events, and through industry connections. However, with more people working from home, it is harder to network in person now than it used to be.

Thankfully, there are virtual networking events available that still help you meet people and expand your horizons.

You can also network with people online, through social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn.

Seventy-nine percent of professionals believe that career success depends on networking — and they’re completely right!

As you meet different people, you're building a long list of contacts that can help you advance in your career or grow your business. Here are some benefits of networking according to industry experts.

1. You’ll have increased access to job opportunities.

Networking with people in your industry can give you access to job opportunities that you might not have gotten otherwise. That may be a referral, a request for your product or service, or a potential partnership.

Savannah Bilbo , a senior content coordinator at Online Optimism , knows all about this.

" In this day and age, it’s not just about what you can do, it’s also about who you know. Expanding your network is a necessary step in securing the job you want,” Bilbo says. “The more connected you are, the better chance you have of finding meaningful opportunities and connections."

Savannah's right. Business networking is important because the higher the position, the less the job is advertised.

As you advance in your career, you’ll have to rely more heavily on your network to find your dream job.

2. You’ll experience increased visibility.

Regularly attending professional events and communicating with thought leaders online increases your visibility. You’ll have a higher chance of getting noticed.

You can use your increasing popularity to build a personal brand , position yourself as an expert in your field, and provide useful information to people who need it.

3. You can grow your business.

Online networking contributed to the success of 78% of startups , according to one study from Zippia. So, a strong network of business professionals can dramatically boost the growth of a business .

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When you network with one person, you're potentially building relationships with that person's network too. If they know someone who can potentially be an investor or a customer for your business, you're likely to get an introduction or a referral as long as you made a great first impression.

Drawing on her experience with link building, Irina Maltseva , the founder of ONSAAS says, "The best links we built were acquired through networking and long-lasting partnerships. It's extremely difficult to get mentions on Forbes and Entrepreneur through cold outreach. But it becomes easier when you have contacts there."

Bryan Benajaro , the Content Consultant at Comunicacion de Impacto, echoes Maltseva's experience: "Having a network of contacts allowed me to reach potential clients in a more effective and direct way, saving me hours of cold calls and meetings to pitch my services."

4. You can become a more effective recruiter.

If you're hiring employees , networking can help you find talented people who share your values. You can reach out to your contacts for recommendations. This makes your job easier — your contacts will only recommend people they trust or worked with in the past.

Richard Clews , the founder of Pants and Socks , recruits people through his network.

"I have hired dozens of employees on recommendations from business colleagues I have networked with,” he says. “It's also great because you can return the favor and help someone get a job."

5. You’ll build an amazing support system.

No job is easy. Sometimes, you need people to give you career advice and support. In this case, you can talk to your network of experienced peers, ask them questions, and discuss your challenges with them.

Speaking from personal experience, Ashley Romer , SEO Link Manager at PaperStreet Web Design , explains, "I am part of a Slack community for women in the SEO industry. This network of like-minded people has been an amazing support system for sharing ideas and troubleshooting common issues I’ve had within my client projects."

6. You can expand your knowledge.

Your network can be a great source of innovative ideas. Whether you're explaining a problem or asking for feedback, speaking with your business contacts can help you see things from a different perspective.

"One of the biggest benefits of networking within my industry is learning new strategies and tactics that [people] don't share on social media, newsletters, or blogs," says Ryan Turner , founder of E-Commerce Intelligence . "I've found that business owners and marketers are far more open to sharing their most valuable golden nuggets in a personal setting after developing a real connection with someone."

Sometimes, you might relate with professionals who've already been in your shoes. This allows you to learn from their experiences and avoid making mistakes they’ve made in the past.

7. You’ll build your confidence.

As you continually put yourself out there, you're building invaluable social skills and confidence that will carry over into other areas of your life.

Confidence is especially important for a business owner or someone in a leadership position. The growth of a business hinges on being able to engage with people and forge lasting relationships.

Business networking can be tricky to navigate if you're just starting. To give you some clarity, here are some tips that'll help you forge profitable, long-lasting relationships with other professionals.

1. Have a goal before you get started.

Before you attend a networking event, it's helpful to determine the goals you want to achieve or things you want to learn from each contact. This will help you figure out the kinds of people to approach.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you want to learn more about your industry? If yes, talk to thought leaders and experts in your industry.
• Are you looking to increase brand awareness ? Talk to people who are likely to use your product or need your service. They don't necessarily have to be in your industry, but they should need what you have to offer.
• Are you in search of a new job? Talk to people who work in leadership roles at companies you'd like to work for.

Knowing what you want to get out of each relationship will help you approach the right people and have a successful networking experience.

2. Attend business networking events.

One of the best ways to meet other business professionals is to attend networking events, seminars, and conferences. Having one-on-one conversations with people gives you a chance to learn more about them, make a good first impression, and tell them about what you do.

For example, HubSpot hosts an annual event called Inbound for professionals in sales, marketing, and customer experience. This event gives people an opportunity to network with others and learn new skills.

" I found that in-person events are the best way to start and expand a relationship,” says Valentin Wallyn , the founder of FindyMail . “You can (and should) nurture those relationships online (eg. on Linkedin) after, but there's just something about seeing someone face to face that makes that relationship 10x more powerful."

3. Create a LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn is a business platform with 875 million members and nearly 60 million registered companies. This makes it a goldmine of networking connections and job opportunities.

With LinkedIn, you can find people who work at your dream company and talk to them about the hiring process. You can speak to experienced people in different industries and build friendships with them.

Plus, when you meet a professional at a networking event, you can get in touch with them on LinkedIn after the event to continue the conversation.

In fact, just posting regularly on LinkedIn can expand your visibility. Just ask Dan Gower , the owner of Buddy Gardner Advertising .

"I recently became active on LinkedIn and saw results within months,” says Gower. “By intentionally building a network and posting things my connections might find valuable, I kept myself top of mind. When they need any of the services I offer, they think of me and reach out."

4. Join communities relevant to your field.

Just like Ashley Romer who's a member of a Slack group for women in SEO, you should join communities in your industry. These communities open up opportunities to meet like-minded people who can help you advance your career, solve problems, and support you.

"I'm on at least 10 Facebook groups for marketers, writers, SEO specialists, and editors," Chrissy Kapralos , President of No Worries Writing Co. recounts. "I communicate with other group members, write posts asking for insights, write comments offering my experiences, and create relationships this way. It has resulted in new clients for my company."

5. Give as much as you take.

Business networking is a two-way street. No relationship you build is likely to last if all you do is ask for favors.

To be successful at networking, look for opportunities where you can share your knowledge, give advice, or help your contacts connect with other people that will benefit them.

Eric Doty , Content Lead at Dock understands the symbiotic nature of networking.

" When you meet with someone — especially when you’re meeting with someone more senior in your field — ask if there’s any way you can help them,” Doty says. “And offer to give advice to more junior people in your field too. It will pay off in the long run."

From experience, being selfless helps a great deal when building a business network. James Taylor, the founder of James Taylor SEO believes this too: " Be the kind of person that helps others and doesn't ask for anything back. It might feel like you're giving away something for nothing, but people will remember and appreciate your help, and it's often surprising how far they'll go to return the favor."

6. Network with local businesses or vendors.

Having a physical location shouldn't stop you from networking. If you have a physical store, try visiting local businesses or vendors in the area. Talk to them, share ideas, and attend events together that can help entrepreneurs grow their local businesses.

This way, you have people to rely on when you need something and vice versa.

7. Be genuine.

When networking, be genuinely interested in the person you're trying to forge a relationship with. Being fake and only trying to use people for your own benefit doesn't win anyone over in the long term.

Sully Tyler who grew a successful business off the back of networking can't emphasize this enough.

"In a way, it’s as if people can smell when you want to use them to grow your business, and no one really likes that,” Tyler says. “But if you truly make the effort to get to know the people you meet and maintain amicable relationships with them, they’re more likely to trust you and see you as someone they would like to do business with."

8. Always be networking.

Networking isn't a one-off thing. If you're looking to build a strong network, you should be building relationships with people 24/7.

As Mathu K. Mathu, President of Ryptic Team Building says, "Never turn off your networking antenna. There are lots of opportunities in your everyday life to meet new people, connect with people you've known in a more effective way, revive old or dormant relationships, and just generally be helpful to others in a way that makes them want to be helpful to you. Always be on the lookout for these opportunities, and always be ready to take advantage of them as they come up."

Make Meaningful Business Connections

Business networking involves more than just distributing your business cards and hoping you get callbacks. You have to have discussions with other people and help them out as best you can — and they'll do the same for you. You might not get referrals the second you meet them, but if you cultivate the relationship, you'll see results.

Don't forget to share this post!

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5 Easy Steps To Create a Networking Plan (with template)

• September 21, 2023

If you struggle with networking and putting yourself out there, don’t worry. 

A networking plan can help with this.

And you’re not alone. 

Networking can be uncomfortable in spaces where people are different from you.

But I’d be lying to you if I said networking wasn’t important.

A 2016 survey says that 85% of all jobs are found through networking . 

Having a networking plan is the first step to mastering networking .

Let’s talk about networking plans and how you can create one. 

What is a Networking Plan?

A networking plan is a series of strategic steps you take to grow your professional network. 

The goal of a networking plan is to offer clear step-by-step actions to help you achieve your career goals.  

A networking plan typically includes — networking goals, an assessment of your current professional contacts, and a list of those you wish to add to your network. 

5 Steps To Create a Networking Plan

Now that you know what a networking plan is, let’s talk about how to create one.  

Follow these five steps to create your networking action plan.

Step 1. Understand who’s in your network

Think about the most important people in your current network.

This can be friends, family, co-workers, mentors, or sponsors.

Now think of the quality of each of these relationships.

If you reached out after not speaking to this person in a year, would it be awkward?

Or would you quickly pick up from where you left off?

Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to your network.

Step 2. Assess your Network

Now you should have a clear idea of who’s in your network.

The next step is to take a closer look at your connections.

You can learn a lot from evaluating your network.

You can find out who’s missing from your connections.

And where your community needs improvement.

For example, if you’re job searching outside your company.

Everyone in your contacts shouldn’t be a co-worker at your current job.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

What are my career goals?

How can the people listed in my network help me achieve them?

What value can I bring to the people listed in my network?

What value can my network offer me?

Is my network well-rounded?

Is there anyone missing from my network that can stand in the way of my goals?

Step 3. Create your network wish list

You may realize you have work to do after reviewing your network. 

That’s okay. 

Make a list of people you’d like to get to know.

Don’t be afraid to think big.  

This can be people already in your network that you want to

get to know better.

Or someone you don’t know well but admire — like an influencer in your industry.

The key here is to think win-win. 

How can you add value to those on your wish list? 

And what value can they bring to you? 

Step 4. Set networking goals

Now it’s time to hold yourself accountable.

Creating networking goals will help you track your progress. 

Set detailed goals for each relationship you want to build.

What are some networking goals?

Networking goals can include becoming more confident with putting yourself out there. 

Growing your number of  connections, or building rapport with others. 

Networking goals are unique to you and your professional goals. 

Use this formula to create your networking goals

1) Within the next month, I will… (Describe what you will accomplish) 

So that… (Describe the benefit of this to your career goals)

Signs of my progress will include… (What evidence will prove you’re heading in the right direction)

2) The networking activities I will take to meet my goals include… (Describe what you’ll do to grow your network)  

There are many steps you can take to grow your network. 

Creating business cards , going to networking events, attending conferences are things you can do to get started. 

Your networking goals should help you reach your career development goals.  

Step 5. Take Action

Now let’s recap.

By now, you understand who’s in your network.

You’ve accessed your network. And know what’s working and what’s not.

You’ve created a wish list of people you want to get to know.

And you’ve set detailed networking goals. 

The final step is to take action. 

None of these steps will matter unless you’re willing to put yourself out there. 

Here’s what you can do to get started with networking 

1. Reach out to those on your networking wish list

2. Follow up if you don’t get a response 

3. Commit to attending one networking event per month

4. Be consistent and persistent 

You’ve got this!

Getting Started

A networking plan can help you level up your community and contacts. 

Hopefully, this gives you confidence and steps to network like a pro.

If you’re serious about upgrading your professional network, consider enrolling in our Master Networking course. 

It coaches you step-by-step through the process of networking with confidence. 

You’ll learn simple yet powerful strategies and mindset exercises. 

You’ll put yourself, your brand or business, out there like never before. Learn more here ! 

Now it’s your turn

Which step are you applying today to level up your network?

Head over to our comments section on social @netwerkmovement and let us know!

And share this with someone who needs it. 

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You worked hard to build your network. Don’t let it go to waste. Maintaining your network is easier than you think. Here’s how it’s done!

10 Fun Ways to Network in a New City (Before and After Moving)

• November 2, 2023

We’ve listed 10 ways to network in a new city before and after moving. If you’re wondering how to network when moving. Start here!

How to Build a Diverse Network and Signs Yours Isn’t

• October 23, 2023

Be honest. How diverse is your network? Here are signs your network isn’t diverse that may surprise you. And how change that!

10 Ways to Upgrade Your Social Circle with High Value People

• December 28, 2023

Outgrowing friends and want to expand your social circle with high-value people? These 10 steps will help you attract an elevated tribe.

6 Ways to Network When You Have “Nothing” to Offer (+ Examples)

• September 28, 2023

When you’re networking from scratch, you’ll need to get creative. Here are 6 ways to network when you think you have “nothing” to offer.

6 Practical Ways To Change Your “I Hate Networking” Mindset

• September 25, 2023

If you hate networking, chances are you’re thinking about it all wrong. Here are 6 no nonsense ways to change your mindset about networking.

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Learn to Love Networking

• Francesca Gino,
• Maryam Kouchaki,
• Tiziana Casciaro

Even people who find it repugnant can do it effectively.

“I hate networking.” It’s a familiar refrain. But in today’s world, networking is a necessity—and fortunately, an aversion to it can be overcome. Drawing on laboratory experiments and on studies at a large law firm, the authors have identified four strategies that can help people become more excited about and effective at building relationships:

• Focus on learning. Adopt a “promotion mindset” and concentrate on the positives, and you’re more likely to perceive networking as an opportunity for discovery rather than a chore.
• Identify common interests. Consider how your goals align with those of people you meet, and networking will feel more authentic.
• Think broadly about what you can give. Remember that you have something valuable to offer, whether it’s knowledge, gratitude, or recognition.
• Find a higher purpose. Frame your networking in terms of a larger goal—the collective benefits for your company, say—and the activity will feel more authentic and will lead to connections that bear fruit for everyone.

“I hate networking.” We hear this all the time from executives, other professionals, and MBA students. They tell us that networking makes them feel uncomfortable and phony—even dirty. Although some people have a natural passion for it—namely, the extroverts who love and thrive on social interaction—many understandably see it as brown-nosing, exploitative, and inauthentic.

• Francesca Gino is a behavioral scientist and the Tandon Family Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. She is the author of Rebel Talent and Sidetracked . francescagino
• Maryam Kouchaki is a professor of management and organizations at the Kellogg School of Management. Her research explores ethics, morality, and the complexity and challenges of managing ethnic and gender diversity for organizations.
• Tiziana Casciaro is a professor of organizational behavior and HR management and holds the Marcel Desautels Chair in Integrative Thinking at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. She is the co-author of Power, for All: How It Really Works and Why It’s Everyone’s Business (Simon & Schuster, 2021).

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How to build a solid networking plan to save time when networking (in just 5 steps!)

Do you feel like your networking efforts are just meaningful conversations which go absolutely nowhere? Do you know how each networking event will help you achieve your personal and professional goals? Do you know how to use social media to win work and make valuable connections? The key to networking effectively is to have a networking strategy. Here is how to build one in just 5 steps (including our business networking plan template!).

A 5-step business networking plan

Step 1: decide on your goals.

You can’t use your time effectively unless you know what you want to get out of that time, so to build a solid business networking plan, you first need to identify your goals. Ask yourself:

• What business development related results do I want to achieve and by when?
• How will my network help me achieve these goals?
• How will I know when I am successful?

Answer these questions and write down a few key goals for your network and networking activities. Having these front of mind will make a big difference in how you prioritise and use your time. 

Our subscriber-only Progress to Partner membership site has a great Game Plan called “…I’m a good technician but don’t have a client portfolio” to help you get started on your networking and business development journey.

Step 2: Audit your network and networking activities

When building your networking plan, first identify and evaluate the effectiveness of your current network and networking activities. Look at each relationship with your client and evaluate whether it’s at the level that you desire; you can then identify what you need to do to maintain it or to improve it.   Ask yourself:

• What relationships do I need to strengthen or ditch?
• Which relationships do I need to maintain?
• What current networking activities do I need to change or stop?
• What current networking activities do I need to maintain?
• Where do I have gaps in my network?

Do you need help with your audit? Download our business networking plan template here.

Step 3: Find the right people for your network

Once you know your goals and where you are currently with your network and networking activities, now you can start putting your strategy together for finding the right people to fill the gaps. ( Does a networking strategy really matter? ) Ask yourself:

• What are the names/roles of the people I would like to meet?
• What am I going to do to meet these people?

Make a note of the daily, weekly, monthly and/or yearly actions that you need to do as well as the one-off actions and set yourself time goals to make sure that you are on track.

We have a great course in our subscriber-only site Progress to Partner   called How to Make the Time for Business Development. It takes about 2-hours to work through and create a daily business development habit that you can stick to.

Step 4: Strengthen the important relationships

By this stage of building your business networking plan, you would have identified your most valuable client relationships. You will want to keep these clients happy, so think about how you can strengthen these relationships. Ask yourself:

• Could I improve my communication with these clients? Do I always communicate in a timely, efficient, and consistent manner?
• Could I make myself more available to these clients?
• Could I exceed their expectations by offering them something of value?
• Could I go above and beyond and help them with any challenges or issues that they are currently facing?

Try to be honest when evaluating whether you can improve existing relationships. You can even ask your clients for their feedback or if there is anything else you can help them with, just be prepared to address any concerns that they may have.

We have a great course in our subscriber-only site Progress to Partner   called How to Make time for Business Development .   The course gives you the structure, clarity, and guidance to create a daily business development habit and a business development plan that is focussed and not just based on friendly coffees!

Step 5: Maintain the strong and important relationships

It’s not enough just to wow your clients initially and form strong relationships only to let your standards slip a few months down the line; you have to maintain these relationships to keep your business running strong. Always ask yourself the above questions every few months to make sure that you are giving your client everything that they need and want from you.

Time is money, so network effectively

Networking can lead to a lot of wasted hours, so invest some time into building a solid plan and use it to start networking effectively!

In just 5 steps, you can start seeing results from your networking efforts. Don’t forget to save yourself even more time by downloading our business networking plan template !

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5 ways growing your online presence NOW can help you sign up the right clients later

With so many people working remotely right now, there has never been a more important time to have an online presence. Think about it, everyone is at home and searching online, so if you don’t have a presence, how will your prospects find you? We have always stressed how vitally important your online footprint is…

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The Ultimate Guide To Networking For Business Opportunities

by Mike Vestil  

In this article, readers will learn how to network for business opportunities. They will understand the various types of networking, how to prepare for it, how to build and nurture a network, and how to leverage it for business opportunities.

The article also discusses how to overcome networking challenges, measuring success, and concludes with a recap of key points, final thoughts, and a call to action.

Understanding Networking For Business Opportunities

Definition of networking.

Networking is the process of developing and maintaining relationships with people who can assist you in your career or business.

It is about building a community of people who can provide support, guidance, advice, and referrals. Networking can help you expand your knowledge base, learn about job opportunities, and generate leads for business.

Importance Of Networking For Business Opportunities

Networking is vital for business opportunities, regardless of the industry you are in. Business opportunities are not just about what you know but also who you know.

By expanding your network, you increase your chances of finding business partners, investors, potential clients, and suppliers. Networking also enables you to build your reputation, gain valuable insights into your industry, and learn about emerging trends.

Types Of Networking

There are various types of networking, including social networking, formal networking, and informational interviews. Social networking involves connecting with people through social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Formal networking is attending events and conferences to meet people in your industry. Lastly, informational interviews are meetings with knowledgeable people in your industry to learn about a particular profession, company, or industry.

Preparing For Networking

Setting networking goals.

It is essential to have clear goals before attending networking events. Setting networking goals will help you stay focused and ensure that you obtain the results you desire.

Some common networking goals include getting new leads, finding potential clients, identifying job opportunities, and learning more about your industry.

Identifying Target Audience

Identifying your target audience means having a clear understanding of the individuals or groups of people you want to meet. Identifying your target audience helps you tailor your message to their specific needs and interests.

Developing An Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief summary of who you are, what you do, and why you do it. It is an essential tool for networking because it allows you to effectively communicate who you are and what you do to others.

Preparing Business Cards

Business cards are an essential networking tool that helps potential clients or business partners connect with you after a networking event. Business cards should include your name, position, company name, contact information, and social media handles.

Building A Network

Attending networking events.

Attending networking events is an excellent way to meet new people and expand your network. Look for events that are relevant to your industry or profession, and prepare to make the most of the opportunity.

Joining Professional Organizations

Joining professional organizations is another effective way to build a network. It allows you to build relationships with people in your industry and stay updated on industry trends.

Utilizing Social Media

Social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook provide great opportunities to connect with people in your industry. Participate in industry groups, comment on posts related to your profession, and share useful content to grow your network.

Building Relationships With Colleagues

Your colleagues and peers can be excellent sources of referrals, so it’s essential to build relationships with them. Take the initiative to connect with your colleagues and learn about their interests and experiences.

Nurturing A Network

Following up with contacts.

One of the most crucial aspects of networking is follow-up. After attending a networking event or meeting someone new, follow up with a personalized email or message to keep the conversation going.

Providing Value To Your Network

To build strong relationships, it’s crucial to provide value to your network. This can be in the form of resources, information, or referrals.

Maintaining Relationships

Networking is a long-term process; therefore, maintaining relationships with your contacts is key. Keep in touch with your network regularly and show that you care about building relationships.

Asking For Referrals

Asking for referrals is an effective way to leverage your network. However, it’s essential to ensure you’ve built a strong relationship before asking for referrals.

Leveraging Your Network For Business Opportunities

Identifying opportunities.

Your network’s power lies in identifying business opportunities, so it’s essential to keep an eye out for potential opportunities. This can include job openings, potential clients, or investment opportunities.

Pitching Your Business

When pitching your business, ensure that you tailor your message to your audience’s needs and communicate how your business can provide value.

Collaborating With Your Network

Collaborating with your network can be an effective way to generate business opportunities. Consider forming strategic partnerships or collaborating on projects with members of your network.

Closing Deals

The goal of networking is to generate business opportunities, and that includes closing deals. Ensure you have clear communication with potential clients or investors about the terms and conditions of the deal.

Overcoming Networking Challenges

Overcoming shyness and fear.

Networking can be intimidating, especially for those who are shy or introverted. Prepare for networking events, practice your elevator pitch, and take the initiative to approach people to overcome your fears.

Dealing With Rejection

Rejection is a natural part of networking, and it’s important to remember that it’s not personal. Learn from rejection, ask for feedback, and don’t let it discourage you from continuing to network.

Managing Time And Resources

Networking requires time and resources, so it’s essential to be strategic about which events or groups you participate in, and how much time you allocate to networking.

Staying Motivated

Networking can be a long-term process, so it’s essential to stay motivated. Set achievable goals, celebrate your successes, learn from your mistakes, and take breaks when needed.

Measuring Networking Success

Setting metrics for success.

To measure your networking success, it’s important to set metrics such as the number of new leads generated, the number of referrals received, or the number of new clients secured.

Tracking Progress

Track your progress regularly to ensure you’re on track to achieving your networking goals. This can include tracking the number of events attended, the number of follow-ups made, or the number of new contacts added to your network.

Evaluating ROI

Evaluating your return on investment (ROI) is critical in measuring your networking success. Determine the cost of attending networking events or joining professional organizations, and measure your ROI against your goals.

Adjusting Strategies

If a particular networking strategy isn’t working, it’s essential to adjust your strategies. Experiment with different approaches and measure their effectiveness to find what works best for you.

Recap Of Key Points

Networking is a vital component of business success, and it requires preparation, effort, and strategy. Building, nurturing, and leveraging a strong network can lead to various business opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Networking takes time and effort, but it’s a worthwhile investment in your business. Be confident, genuine, and strategic in your networking endeavors, and you’ll reap the rewards.

Call To Action

Start networking today! Whether you are a seasoned networker or a newbie, there is always room for improvement. Attend an event in your area, join a professional organization, or connect with contacts on social media.

Remember to follow up with your contacts, provide value, and ask for referrals. By continually investing in your network, you can unlock endless possibilities for success.

Networking For Business Opportunities: FAQs

1. what is networking for business opportunities.

Networking for business opportunities refers to the act of building professional relationships with individuals or organizations that can potentially offer or benefit from business opportunities.

2. How Can Networking Benefit My Business?

Networking can benefit your business by providing opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and referrals. It also helps to build visibility and credibility within your industry and community.

3. What Are Some Tips For Effective Networking?

Some tips for effective networking include attending industry events, joining business groups or associations, being an active listener, and following up with contacts after meeting them.

4. How Can I Expand My Networking Reach?

To expand your networking reach, consider attending events outside of your industry, utilizing social media platforms, and reaching out to individuals or organizations through email or phone.

5. How Can I Measure The Success Of My Networking Efforts?

The success of your networking efforts can be measured by tracking the number of contacts made, the number of referrals received, and the amount of business generated as a result of those contacts.

6. What Are Some Common Networking Mistakes To Avoid?

Common networking mistakes to avoid include talking too much about oneself, failing to follow up with contacts, being too aggressive or pushy, and not being prepared with a clear message or goal.

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Mike Vestil

Mike Vestil is an author, investor, and speaker known for building a business from zero to $1.5 million in 12 months while traveling the world.

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Network Marketing Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Network Marketing Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their network marketing companies.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a network marketing business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Network Marketing Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your network marketing business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Network Marketing Business

If you’re looking to start a network marketing business or grow your existing network marketing company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your network marketing business to improve your chances of success. Your network marketing business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Network Marketing Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a network marketing business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for network marketing companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a network marketing business.

If you want to start a network marketing business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your network marketing business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of network marketing business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a network marketing business that you would like to grow, or are you creating a new multi-level marketing (MLM) business in another geographic region?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the network marketing industry.
• Discuss the type of network marketing business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of network marketing business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of network marketing businesses:

• Services network marketing : this type of MLM, or multi-level marketing business, is focused on the sales of services. For example, services such as insurance policies, telephone or cable television services, or educational services are offered via direct-selling, independent contractor representatives within the MLM company.
• Product network marketing: The most popular format for MLM (multi-level marketing) companies is found in selling products. Sales of products such as jewelry, health and wellness items, weight loss products, and other popular consumer categories are profitable continuity items that can create a significant income for independent contractor representatives.
• Membership network marketing: An MLM, or multi-level marketing business, can also be successfully built around the sales of memberships, such as travel, timeshare ownerships, and certain sport or hobby clubs.

In addition to explaining the type of network marketing business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of independent representatives you’ve signed up under your MLM business, the number of products you or your downline representatives have sold, or the number of clients your MLM business has acquired.

Your legal business structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the network marketing industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the network marketing industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your network marketing business plan:

• How big is the network marketing industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your network marketing business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your network marketing business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, families, students, schools, and hobby or travel organizations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of network marketing business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions and products than schools, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Finish Your Network Marketing Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other network marketing businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes retail stores, travel agencies, health supplement manufacturers, or hobby club members. You need to mention direct competition,  as well.

For each direct competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of MLM (multi-level marketing) business are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide options for upselling your products?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a network marketing business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of network marketing company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will your MLM (multi-level marketing business) sell a product line of natural health and wellness supplements created for athletes, or will your MLM sell jewelry club memberships that auto-ship jewelry to customers once a month ?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your network marketing company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your network marketing business located in a standalone office, or is your MLM (multi-level marketing) business purely online? Discuss how your business structure might be ideal for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your network marketing marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to friends and family; sign them up as independent representatives
• Distribute flyers
• Engage heavily in email marketing to friends, associates, and others
• Post daily and blog frequently across all social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your network marketing business, including answering calls, planning and providing products, services or memberships, tracking online orders and payments, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when your MLM, multi-level marketing company, expects to sign up your 10,000th independent contractor, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your network marketing business into new product lines or service industries.

Management Team

To demonstrate your network marketing business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing network marketing businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a network marketing business or successfully sold into DTC (direct-to-consumer) categories.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you sign up 10 new independent representatives in your beauty category downline every day, and/or offer bundled travel rates for your MLM downline representatives as they sell travel club memberships? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your network marketing business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a network marketing business:

• Cost of equipment and office supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your MLM downline independent representatives and the percentages you collect from their earnings, or a list of your “gold star” independent representatives who make over 100K in yearly revenue.

Writing a business plan for your network marketing business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the network marketing industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful network marketing business.

Network Marketing Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my network marketing business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your network marketing business plan.

How Do You Start a Network Marketing Business?

Starting a Network Marketing business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Network Marketing Business
• Create Your Network Marketing Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Network Marketing Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Network Marketing Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Network Marketing Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Network Marketing Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Network Marketing Business Equipment
• Develop Your Network Marketing Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Network Marketing Business
• Open for Business

Where Can I Download a Free Business Plan Template PDF?

Click here to download the pdf version of our basic business plan template.

Our free business plan template pdf allows you to see the key sections to complete in your plan and the key questions that each must answer. The business plan pdf will definitely get you started in the right direction.

We do offer a premium version of our business plan template. Click here to learn more about it. The premium version includes numerous features allowing you to quickly and easily create a professional business plan. Its most touted feature is its financial projections template which allows you to simply enter your estimated sales and growth rates, and it automatically calculates your complete five-year financial projections including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Here’s the link to our Ultimate Business Plan Template.

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Business Networking: Meaning, Types and Examples

Business networking is a simple yet complex term that is essential for many and intimidates quite a few. But what…

Business networking is a simple yet complex term that is essential for many and intimidates quite a few. But what is it about a business network that makes it so crucial to the success of an individual or a business? Understanding the various nuances of networking is essential to making the most out of networking. While networking may be a daunting task for some, it’s something that can be and should be developed through practice.

What is Business Networking?

How business networks work, types of business networks, benefits of business networks, tips for successful business networking.

In simplest terms, it’s creating relationships with individuals who may represent other businesses, suppliers, or customers/clients. The main idea of business networking is to display what your organization does and make meaningful connections with the individuals you interact with. It’s the art of building mutually beneficial relationships.

Business networks lead to intangible benefits through communicating with other business professionals. Professional networking is a chance not only to get to know more people but also a way to exchange services, advice and knowledge. Networking can help one establish a business or grow an existing one.

Professional networking doesn’t have a time or a place. It can happen on your commute, during a walk in the park, in a restaurant or in any place where you can interact with someone. It can exist in a formal or an informal setting. However, let’s discuss the idea of a more formal setting, the purpose of which is to be a platform for professional networking.

Networking events provide an opportunity for one to interact with individuals who are in a similar domain. These events are usually organized to showcase new ideas and for individuals to connect.  You should jump at this opportunity to mingle and have as many conversations as possible while exchanging contact information. This can lead to fruitful and valuable discussions, which can lead to further mutually beneficial interactions.

Once you have a general idea of when and how you want to build a professional network, you should decide what type of network you want to join. It could be an event, a gathering or a virtual network. You should choose a type of business network based on your requirements and what you hope to give to and achieve from the network.

Casual Contact Business Networks

If you’re aiming to connect with a large number of people in a day, this is a great way to do it. These types of networks usually hold events for different professions with no limitations. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people in a relatively informal environment. It’s about connecting with individuals in your community.

Strong Contact Business Networks

These are more restrictive, formal and great for achieving specific networking goals. These networks restrict the attendees to one of every profession. This is a great way to get more quality and consistent referrals consistently.

Community Service Associations

These usually consist of group projects that work on charitable projects. These organizations are driven by their missions to serve the community. While that may be the main focus, building meaningful and long-term relationships with the members is possible.

Professional Associations

Being part of a professional association gives you access to various areas of knowledge and skills that can benefit you or your organization. Most members are from a specific industry and are excellent sources of expertise.

Social Media Networks

In today’s world, social media is one of the best examples of business networking tools. Social media can create a personal connection with not just other professionals but clients as well. It leads to many relevant connections and consistent increments in credibility and quality of connections if used correctly.

Professional networking can provide many benefits to individuals and businesses alike. As one meets, interacts and gets to know more and more people, networking becomes a highly effective tool that reaps long-term benefits. Networking benefits everyone, whether part of a startup, a small business or a large corporation. The benefits one can derive from business networks depend on the type of event and the quality of interactions. However, some benefits are apparent at any networking event.

Building Relationships

First and foremost, the most impactful benefit of professional networking is that one gets to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Effective relationships can be made with professionals across various industries who are available to connect with and create value together.

Knowledge Sharing

The most prized commodity in the world is knowledge. Professional networking is an excellent platform to increase your knowledge and add to that of others. At networking events, one can share their opinion, listen to various viewpoints, obtain feedback and understand things from a different perspective.

Credibility

The credibility and reputation of an organization are significant. Credibility can be built through networking as more and more people connect and validate the reputability of an organization. As interactions increase, so does the credibility as reliability and knowledge grow. This leads to better opportunities which further enhances the credibility of an organization.

Development of Social Skills

Networking regularly can lead to a boost in one’s confidence. Social skills that are gained through interactions during professional networking are highly beneficial. They improve future interactions and tie in with other benefits as the organization’s credibility, knowledge, and relationships improve.

Benchmarking Yourself and Your Organization

The platform of business networks is an excellent tool to measure how one’s organization performs against others. It allows an organization to identify its strengths and areas that could be improved upon.

Professional networking isn’t something that should be done just once. It’s a continuous activity that reaps benefits for everyone involved. To make the most out of networking platforms, there are some things that one can do.

Attend Networking Events

First and foremost, one should be a regular attendee at networking events. Knowing where and when to go is crucial to consistently being a part of professional networks. This is especially beneficial for small businesses and individuals who can grow their connections and client base through these events.

Decide What You Want to Achieve

Before a networking event, you should know what you’d like to get out of the experience. Make sure you have a clear plan to get the most out of the event. For example, you might want to become aware of the newest trends in your industry or make new connections.

Over Your Inner Barriers

You might be naturally shy or have never been to a networking event. That’s a situation that can be overwhelming. The key to overcoming your internal barriers is to be prepared. You could brainstorm icebreakers or prepare a few questions so you don’t have to think on the spot.

Know the Worth of Yourself and Your Product

Take the time to create an elevator pitch that showcases your product’s value and expertise. It would help if you articulated what you’re bringing to the table. So, make sure you know everything there is to know and everything you want your new connections to know.

Don’t Go Alone

If you’re finding that the idea of going to a networking event alone doesn’t work for you, go with someone you know who is also looking to expand their network. A familiar face can streamline the experience and lead to excellent connections.

Always Follow Up

Being a part of a professional network isn’t just a one-time process. Going to events and connecting with others is just the beginning. You need to find reasons to follow up to keep the relationship going. ( https://chrisrenzema.com/ ) You can reach out to them, forward a relevant article, invite them to attend another event or do whatever works best to ensure the relationship moves forward.

Make Connections Outside the Events

Networking isn’t just about events. If you’re at a local event, meet up with your connections in your off-hours. It might be at a park, gym or the most popular local place. You can create and enhance connections anywhere.

Business networks are crucial to building and sustaining a successful organization. As an individual, it can be a task to build up networking skills if it doesn’t come to you naturally. It’s important to take the time to master networking.

Harappa’s Build a Network pathway will help you polish the skills needed to network professionally . It will teach you how to nurture meaningfu l , long-lasting relationship s and gain the confidence to network with others and make the most out of it. Through this pathway, you can expand your expertise in your own time and gain the confidence you need to network effectively.  

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Networking Business Plans Samples For Students

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Do you feel the need to examine some previously written Business Plans on Networking before you begin writing an own piece? In this free database of Networking Business Plan examples, you are provided with a fascinating opportunity to examine meaningful topics, content structuring techniques, text flow, formatting styles, and other academically acclaimed writing practices. Adopting them while composing your own Networking Business Plan will definitely allow you to complete the piece faster.

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Business and Industry Conditions Keystone Computer Network (KCN) provides sales and services of microcomputers, software and hardware networking to customers. The industry in which the firm operates is considered as sensitive to the economic environment and highly competitive in nature, with competitors larger than KCN itself. The long-term strategic success of KCN is dependent on the retention and ability to attract qualified and competent information technology (IT) professionals. The annual growth for IT products in the next three years regarding expenditures is anticipated to be 6 percent.

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Business Plan Template for Network Administrators

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

Running a successful network consulting firm or IT department requires careful planning and strategic thinking. That's where ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Network Administrators comes in!

This comprehensive template is specifically designed for network administrators to:

• Clearly define your company's goals, strategies, and financial projections
• Outline your network administration services and pricing models
• Identify target clients and develop effective marketing strategies
• Streamline the management of your network infrastructure
• Ensure you meet your clients' needs and expectations

With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Network Administrators, you can take your network consulting business to new heights and stay ahead of the competition. Start planning your success today!

Business Plan Template for Network Administrators Benefits

A business plan template for network administrators offers a range of benefits that help network consulting firms and IT departments effectively manage their network infrastructure and meet clients' needs. Some of these benefits include:

• Clear articulation of the company's goals, strategies, and financial projections for offering network administration services
• Improved organization and structure, ensuring all aspects of network management are covered and accounted for
• Increased visibility and understanding of the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the network administration market
• Enhanced communication and alignment among team members, ensuring everyone is working towards the same objectives
• Facilitates effective resource allocation and budgeting, ensuring the company has the necessary tools and investments to provide quality network administration services.

Main Elements of Network Administrators Business Plan Template

When it comes to network administration, having a solid business plan is crucial for success. ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Network Administrators includes:

• Status Tracking: Easily track the progress of your tasks with four custom statuses - Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do - ensuring efficient project management and clear communication within your team.
• Custom Fields: Utilize three custom fields - Reference, Approved, and Section - to add specific details to your tasks and tailor them to your network administration business needs.
• Multiple Views: Choose from five different views - Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide - to gain a comprehensive overview of your business plan, track its progress, and ensure smooth execution.
• Collaboration Tools: Take advantage of ClickUp's collaboration features, such as assigning tasks, setting due dates, attaching files, and leaving comments, to streamline communication and enhance teamwork.
• Goal Tracking: Utilize ClickUp's Goals feature to set targets and measure the progress of your business plan, ensuring that you stay on track and achieve your desired outcomes.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Network Administrators

Creating a comprehensive business plan as a network administrator is essential for the success and growth of your organization. Use the Business Plan Template in ClickUp and follow these 6 steps to develop a solid plan:

1. Define your business goals and objectives

Start by clearly defining your business goals and objectives as a network administrator. What do you want to achieve with your network infrastructure? Are you aiming to improve network security, increase network speed, or enhance overall network performance? Defining your goals will help guide your business plan and ensure that your network infrastructure aligns with your organization's objectives.

Use Goals in ClickUp to set and track your business objectives.

2. Assess your current network infrastructure

Conduct a thorough assessment of your current network infrastructure. Evaluate the hardware, software, and network configurations you currently have in place. Identify any areas that need improvement, such as outdated equipment or inefficient network protocols. Understanding your current network setup will help you identify gaps and determine the necessary steps to achieve your goals.

Use the Gantt chart in ClickUp to visualize and plan your network assessment process.

3. Identify network upgrade requirements

Based on your goals and assessment, identify the specific network upgrade requirements needed to achieve your objectives. Determine if you need to invest in new hardware, upgrade software, implement additional security measures, or improve network scalability. This step is crucial for creating a roadmap to guide your network upgrade process.

Use the Board view in ClickUp to create tasks and track the progress of each network upgrade requirement.

4. Develop a budget and timeline

Create a budget and timeline for your network upgrade project. Consider the costs of new equipment, software licenses, training, and any external vendor services you may require. Develop a realistic timeline that accounts for installation, configuration, and testing phases. Having a well-defined budget and timeline will help you stay on track and manage resources effectively.

Use the Table view in ClickUp to create a budget spreadsheet and track expenses associated with your network upgrade project.

5. Implement network upgrades

Once you have your budget and timeline in place, it's time to start implementing the network upgrades. Follow your plan step-by-step, ensuring that each upgrade is properly tested and integrated into your network infrastructure. Monitor the progress closely to address any issues or setbacks promptly.

Use Dashboards in ClickUp to monitor the progress of your network upgrade project and track key performance indicators.

6. Evaluate and optimize your network

After implementing the upgrades, evaluate the performance of your network infrastructure. Assess whether the upgrades have achieved the desired results and if any further optimizations are needed. Regularly review and update your business plan to adapt to changing technology trends and business requirements.

Set up recurring tasks in ClickUp to regularly evaluate and optimize your network infrastructure based on your business plan.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Network Administrators

Network consulting firms and IT departments can use the Business Plan Template for Network Administrators in ClickUp to effectively outline their company's goals, strategies, and financial projections for offering network administration services.

To get started with this template:

Hit "Add Template" to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Specify the Space or location where you want to apply this template.

Invite relevant team members or guests to your Workspace to collaborate on the business plan.

Now, leverage the full potential of this template to create a comprehensive business plan:

• Use the Topics View to organize different sections of your business plan, such as Executive Summary, Services Offered, Infrastructure, Financial Projections, and more.
• The Status View helps you track the progress of each section, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• The Timeline View allows you to set deadlines and milestones for completing different sections of the business plan.
• Dive into the Business Plan View to get a holistic overview of your entire plan, including goals, strategies, and financial projections.
• The Getting Started Guide View provides a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through the template and create a comprehensive business plan.

Additionally, customize your business plan using the following custom fields:

• Reference: Add references or sources to support your strategies and projections.
• Approved: Indicate whether each section of the business plan has been approved.
• Section: Categorize each section based on their relevance or priority.

By following these steps and utilizing the various views and custom fields, network administrators can create a well-structured and strategic business plan for their network consulting firm or IT department.

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How to start a computer networking business

Table of Contents

Planning for your computer networking business 

Market research , specialisation, computer engineering skills , equipment and software, budget and funding, business plan , setting up your computer networking business, register your business, manage your taxes , defend yourself with insurance , organising your computer networking business , daily operations, payment management , financial management, business current account, accounting software , marketing your computer networking business , brand your business , lean into digital marketing , network your computer network , computer networking towards success , organise your finances with this time-saving financial app.

With a computer networking business, you can use your software skills to help people connect their devices and communication channels. This industry is in high demand now as people value interconnectivity . 

By developing this kind of business, you could help people store and share data, and communicate across different devices. 

But you may wonder how to take advantage of this market and excel in it. In fact, starting a small business can be challenging, especially when you enter a market with larger competitors. 

But a small-range computer networking company can help local communities and organisations simplify their lives. So, if you’re wondering how to start a computer networking business , we can help. 

This guide will cover how to start a computer networking business, including:

Part of knowing how to start a computer networking business is setting yourself up on the right trajectory.

To start forming a plan, you’ll need to conduct market research . This type of research can show you essential information about the climate you plan to enter. 

Market research can teach you about:

• The market demand.
• Relevant competitors. 
• Popular products and services.
• Industry statistics. 
• Market trends. 
• Your target audience. 

As a result, you can develop your business idea further to make it sturdy and profitable . 

With your market research in mind, consider how you’ll make your computer networking business unique. Having a specialisation or unique selling point will help you convince customers to choose your company.

For example, you might focus on a specific sector within computer networking, like connecting small business communications. Or you could market yourself as a better, more personable option to larger companies. 

From there, you can outline what services or products you’ll sell. Planning and developing this is essential to creating a professional finished product. You might build your own computer networking software, for example.

Having a unique approach will help you stand out. But, you’ll also need to have the right skills, such as computer engineering and IT. If you don’t have qualifications, you might pursue a course or diploma. 

You might seek a course or university degree in computer engineering, computer science, or software development. 

Having formal credentials and experience will help you look prepared and professional . It will also allow you to set up and develop a flourishing business. 

Search for courses here . 

You’ll need the right tools to create your computer networking services. With software development tools, you can build a computer network to sell (Such as Linx or DbSchema ). 

Then, you’ll need a sturdy computer and a strong internet connection. 

If you’d prefer, you could outsource some of your service development or use already developed software. In this case, the overhead costs will likely be higher because you outsourced some of the work or brought in a third party. 

You’ll also need to consider the necessary money to get started. Outline the startup costs, or the money you’ll need to cover the essentials from the beginning. 

Then, outline what it’ll cost to run your business, considering regular expenses and operating costs. 

Knowing your business spending will help you understand what funding you might need. If the starting costs are lower, you could save up and invest your own money. 

If you need external funding, you might seek an investor or apply for a loan . These approaches lead to debt or less control in your business. But they are easy ways to get money now and pay it back over time. 

You’ll also need to create a starting budget for your business. This budget outlines what you plan to spend and hope to earn.  

Understanding your regular expenses will help you create realistic and profitable pricing for your services. With this in place, you can track and control your finances better. 

See also : How to budget for starting a business

Once you develop your idea and approach, put this information into a business plan . The business plan will outline your:

• Products and services 
• Goals and objectives 
• Operations 
• Finances 

Your business plan will guide you through setup and growth. But it will also help you secure funding if you need to. 

Most funding applications require a well-developed business plan. The success of your application depends on how well you sell your idea and prove it’s low financial risk. 

Without a written business plan, you’ll be walking through the dark from the start. This document connects everything and makes it happen. 

Once you have a plan together, knowing how to start a computer networking business requires a bit of setup. Establishing the legalities of your new business will help you build a successful foundation. 

To set your business up legally, you’ll need to register with the UK government . You can choose two routes for registration:

• Sole trader – you’re personally and financially responsible for your business. But, there are fewer taxes and fewer record-keeping and regulations. 
• Limited company – the business is a separate legal entity from you, meaning you only risk what you put into it. As a result, you’ll pay more taxes and abide by greater regulations. 

When choosing the right legal structure for your computer networking business, consider the size of the operation and overall production costs. If you plan to start small, a sole tradership might be the right pick to start. 

See also : How to set up your business: Sole trader or limited company

You’ll need to pay taxes based on what you earn for your business.  

Small businesses will likely pay:

• Income or dividend tax
• National Insurance  
• Corporation tax – limited companies only 
• Value Added Tax (VAT) – VAT registered businesses, which expect to earn over £85,000 annually 

People with variable annual income must submit a Self Assessment tax return to determine what they owe. 

Plus, you may want to read up on Making Tax Digital (MTD), which is a government initiative to digitise and simplify the tax process. 

Key tip : Keeping clear and updated financial records will help you report accurate statements. See the financial organisation section to learn more. 

Insurance is crucial to protecting your business, and it’s finances. For example, you’ll likely want to get data protection or cyber insurance for your computer networking business. 

You can find options for cyber insurance at Superscript . 

The key to success is organisation. So, part of how to start a computer networking business is structuring it well. 

If you know how to maintain smooth operations and manage client needs, people will be more willing to work with you. 

Organised calendars, clear to-do lists, and strong communication will help you stay on top of the demands of your business. 

Plus, your services may be confusing or complicated to the untrained eye. So, it’s essential to focus on strong customer service. 

Since your operations are entirely online, online organisation tools will be lifesavers.

Here’s a few tools that can simplify your day-to-day organisation: 

• Google Workspace – business management 
• Trello – project management 
• HubSpot – marketing and content management 
• Zendesk – customer service software

See also: What is operations management? 

Managing your daily operations will help you satisfy clients. But, the right payment method will make it much simpler to bring cash into your business . 

Computer networking services are something clients will likely need continuously. So, you could charge a monthly subscription for your software to earn a continuous profit from customers. 

On the other hand, selling your software outright could translate to larger one-time earnings. Then, if you want to sell products, you might develop tech to pair with your software (think video cameras or smart locks). 

But how will customers pay you? For a tech-based digital business, you might focus on accepting card payments online. For example, you could design a website with a secure payment system. 

You’ll need to choose software and open a merchant account to accept credit cards. 

Here are some secure online payment method options:

Once you have a way to accept money from clients, consider how you’ll manage that money. Businesses need to track what they spend and earn to understand their position and make strong decisions. 

Financial accounting is more than just essential to success, it’s a requirement for small businesses . The HMRC expects you to keep accurate financial records and keep them for about six years. 

See also: How to understand financial accounting  

To get organised, you’ll want to separate your business finances from your personal ones . To do this, open a business current account . 

You’re required to open a business current account with a limited company. But, sole traders can also benefit from a unique bank account for their business. 

By putting your business transaction in one place, you won’t have to search through bank statements to find business expenses. It’ll be much easier to keep everything in order. 

Accounting software is another essential tool to financial management, like Countingup . A business account with built-in accounting software, this app helps you stay on top of your finances. 

The Countingup app offers cash flow insights to help you understand the money that comes in and out of your business. With this updated information, you can make better decisions and track your budget. 

Plus, the app will simplify your tax process by arming you with year-round tax estimates. Countingup is also MTD-compliant, allowing you to instantly share your financial data with your accounting without worrying about errors. 

Once you plan, set up, and organise, it’s time to draw in some customers. Marketing is essential to starting a computer networking business. It lets you grow an audience and win over a client base. 

Branding is the first step to any strong marketing strategy. Developing a unique identity for your business will help your audience notice and remember you. 

Start by considering which colours and tone might represent you. For example, you could make an effort to simplify the complicated IT language to appeal to your target audience. 

Then, create a business logo and marketing materials that use your brand identity and work well together. You might use a tool like Canva to design these for free. 

Key tip : Your brand is your business’s identity. Make sure it represents you well. 

Next, create a website for your computer networking business. This website will explain what your business is and the services it offers. Make sure you include a contact page, so it’s easy for people to reach you. 

Here are some popular website business platforms (that you can do yourself):

• Squarespace – offers cool modern features 
• WordPress – most extensive option, but might take a bit of practice 
• Wix – really easy to use

Apart from a website, you can market yourself using social media platforms. Using these platforms will give you access to their nearly 4 billion worldwide audience . 

For computer networking, you might target organisations and businesses on LinkedIn. 

You can also use platforms like Facebook and Twitter to share tips and share your unique selling point.

Networking is another great way to learn more about your industry and access relevant groups or potential customers. You can network your business on LinkedIn, or find relevant groups within the industry (like Tech Nation ). 

You can also find events on sites like: 

• Eventbrite  

So, now you know how to start a computer networking business. With the right plan, setup, organisation, and marketing, you can’t go wrong. Though it’ll take some time and determination, it’ll allow you to help people connect. 

Countingup is the business current account and accounting software in one app. It automates time-consuming bookkeeping admin for thousands of self-employed people across the UK. 

Save yourself hours of accounting admin so you can focus on growing your business. 

Start your three-month free trial today.

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• Counting Up on Twitter
• Counting Up on LinkedIn

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"Networking is not about just connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities." Michelle Jennae, American writer

• September 21, 2022
• Business English
• One Comment

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This Business English ESL lesson plan on networking has been designed for business professionals or other adults and young adults at an intermediate (B1/B2) to advanced (C1/C2) level and should last around 45 to 60 minutes for one student.

Networking means searching for new connections and relationships. This can be extremely useful for career progression, and equally as useful for businesses to be successful. These days, there are many specialist networking events to find these new contacts, either for your profession or for your market sector. In this Business English lesson plan on networking, students will have the opportunity discuss and express their opinions on issues such as the importance of networking and networking strategies.

For advice on how to use this English lesson plan and other lesson plans on this site, see the guide for ESL teachers .

PRE-CLASS ACTIVITIES

Reading activity Before the English class, send the following article to the students and ask them to read it while making a list of any new vocabulary or phrases they find (explain any the students don’t understand in the class):

INC | How to Network Effectively

The article explains the importance of networking for business and gives a number of pieces of advice to do this effectively, including how to use social media and LinkedIn, consulting your friends and family, and taking advantage of conferences and other work events. At the start of the class, hold a brief discussion about what the students thought about the article. What do they think about the issues raised in the article? Do they agree with what was written? Can they think of any ways they can add to the content of the article?

Video activity To save time in class, the English teacher can ask the students to watch the video below at home. In the class, the students will answer a number of conversation questions directly or indirectly related to the content of the video.

The video for this class is a TEDx Talk called “How to Hack Networking” which gives advice on networking, especially by taking advantage of the people you already know.

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

The focus in the class is on conversation in order to help improve students’ fluency and confidence when speaking in English as well as boosting their vocabulary.

This lesson opens with a short discussion about the article the students read before the class. Next, the students can give their opinion on the quote at the beginning of the lesson plan – what they think the quote means, if they agree with it and how it could relate to business. This is followed by an initial discussion on the topic including how the students use their networks, the best places to go to network, and how technology can help with networking.

After this, students will learn some vocabulary connected with business networking such as mingle , icebreaker and hit someone up . The vocabulary is accompanied by a cloze activity and a speaking activity to test the students’ comprehension of these words.

If the students didn’t watch the video before the class, they can watch it after the vocabulary section and answer the conversation questions. Before the conversation, ask the students to give a brief summary of the video and what they thought about the content.

Finally, there is a more in-depth conversation about networking. In this speaking activity, students will talk about issues such as people who seem to be connected to everyone, how to follow up on a contact, and how to make a good first impression.

After the class, students will write an email outlining a plan for a networking event. The writing activity is designed to allow students to practise business-style writing as well as improving their grammar with the feedback from their teacher.

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1 thought on “Networking”

Excellent lesson! Congratulations for such creativity!

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Business | A secret command center in Aurora is key to…

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Business | broncos unveil new uniforms in first major refresh since 1997, business | secret command center in aurora is key to keeping colorado wireless customers connected, chillers, backup batteries and massive generators key to verizon’s plan to keep its network up and running.

Earlier this month, Xcel Energy cut electricity to about 55,000 customers along the Front Range to reduce wildfire risks from wind gusts that topped 100 mph. Another 95,000 of its customers lost power because of downed power lines from those intense winds.

Those outages, planned or forced, removed power to about 40 cellular towers that Verizon Wireless relies on. Verizon had alternate power sources in place to power the towers, part of its larger game plan to keep its network going in extreme conditions

People could make calls or stream movies on their devices even if they couldn’t turn on the lights or watch television at home.

If Verizon, the nation’s second-largest wireless provider has its way, customers won’t ever experience a widespread network outage. And it goes further, maintaining a fleet of emergency equipment that can rush into disaster zones so cellular services can be restored or provided to emergency responders.

“Redundancy is the key,” said Blair Miller, a senior director of network assurance in Verizon’s Mountain Plains region, during a media tour on Tuesday.

In a facility tucked away in a nondescript industrial park in Aurora, Verizon employees monitor traffic on the network, changing weather conditions across the region, the status of hundreds of towers and other real-time feeds on large overhead screens.

The command room, staffed around the clock, is part of a larger switching and emergency response center, whose location Verizon keeps under wraps. The center and others like it around the country are vital to Verizon’s effort to keep its network operating under any scenario.

When a call, text or data request hits a cell phone tower from a mobile device, the signal usually moves into fiber optic lines. Locally, those signals flow into the company’s switching facility in Aurora.

Two big rooms, full of computer servers, each run at 40% to 50% capacity. If one of the two centers goes down, the traffic can flow into the other, said Jose Sanchez, a senior building engineer with Verizon.

Rows of computer servers, their flashing green lights, fill the role that human operators did in the early days of phone service when they manually pulled a line, said “please hold,” and patched a call into the right destination.

The switching equipment handles millions of packets of data at a time and redirects them at lightning speed. And while they never ask for a lunch break, they require constant power and relief from the loads of heat they release.

Thermal management is key to keeping any mobile switch center running. A dozen large A/C units, most waiting on standby, cool the switching centers. Three industrial-sized chiller units outside assist the units inside.

The switching equipment and heavy HVAC systems consume huge amounts of electricity. Keeping the power on at all times is key to ensuring the data packets don’t skip a beat and end up where they need to be.

Battery backups can power the two rooms for 10 to 13 hours if needed, Sanchez said. But the batteries are mainly there to handle the tiny gap in time that generators need to kick in.

It is only three seconds. But for data packets zooming around at 186,282 miles per second, a lot can go wrong in three seconds.

Four massive generators equipped with 12,000-gallon diesel fuel tanks stand ready outside. They switch on instantly when power is disrupted. Each one can run for between 11 to 13 days before needing to be refueled.

The Verizon center is on Xcel Energy’s priority list should chronic power shortages ever emerge. And if electricity were cut off completely and diesel shipments couldn’t arrive to keep the generators running, the generators could keep things going for close to a month, Sanchez said.

How people would charge their devices in that kind of environment — that’s an entirely separate question.

If that isn’t enough redundancy, cellular traffic in the region could be routed to another switching center, most likely Salt Lake City, assuming that location didn’t face a similar predicament.

Despite all those safeguards, the system isn’t foolproof. Verizon has built a fiber optic network along the Front Range and other areas with concentrations of customers, allowing it greater control. But in rural areas, it relies on third parties to haul its signals.

Failures in the fiber optic network can disrupt cellular service. That happened on Dec. 27-28 in 2018, when CenturyLink, now Lumen, suffered nationwide outages because of a bad network card in Denver.

As many as 22 million CenturyLink customers across 39 states were affected. About 17 million customers across 29 states lost reliable access to 911, according to a Federal Communications Commission study of the outage.

About 93,000 Verizon Wireless customers were impacted and about 1.9 million calls were blocked or lost in Montana and Wyoming, the FCC estimates.

No amount of redundancy in switching centers will help if the data isn’t arriving or arriving in an orderly way.

Verizon Frontline

Verizon’s Aurora location isn’t just about moving calls and data packets without downtime. It also serves as the base for the company’s local emergency response service — Verizon Frontline.

While the switching center is prepared for a large-scale catastrophe, localized emergencies are more common, like the state’s frequent wildfires, rarer floods, and the occasional rock slides, which in the case of Glenwood Canyon in 2021 cut fiber optic lines.

Verizon has a fleet of vehicles designed to restore or provide service in those situations, said Jared Hilzendeger, senior crisis response manager for Verizon’s Frontline team.

They include cellular on wheels or COWS, trailers that can be hauled in, connected to a fiber optic line and then broadcast a cellular or Wi-Fi signal. COWs, which have generators for power, are also used to provide extra capacity at big gatherings, like outdoor concerts.

Then there are COLTS, or cellular on light trucks. A COLT helped restore service in Boulder County when cellular towers burned up in the Marshal fire in late 2021 and stayed in place for two years assisting a new tower being built, Miller said.

If fiber isn’t available, equipment with satellite access can be brought in to connect to the internet that way.

In more difficult terrain where vehicles can’t be brought in, Verizone Frontline uses drones to broadcast a signal. Tethered drones with a connected power supply can stay airborne for long periods and were helpful in the Maui fires last year.

Verizon has developed robotic devices that can move into a dangerous area on their own, like a collapsed tunnel or toxic spill zone from a train derailment, Hilzendeger said. Those signals can be used to support monitoring equipment that can provide real-time information to responders.

“We do a lot of exercises with agencies and are always asking how our stuff compares with theirs,” Hilzendeger said.

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