How do you measure and evaluate the quality and impact of your network?

To measure and evaluate your network, start by setting goals that match your vibe—whether it’s snagging new clients, vibing with mentors, or leveling up your influence game. Clarify what success looks like for each goal—are you aiming for numbers, like new connections or collaborations, or aiming for deep dives into fresh insights and trends? Track how your network helps you hit those marks. Think of it like curating your dream guest list—each connection should bring value that aligns with your goals. Keep it lit by regularly assessing how well your network fuels your career glow-up!

1. Define Metrics: Establish specific metrics aligned with your goals, such as number of new connections, collaborations initiated, or business opportunities generated. 2. Assess Engagement: Evaluate the level of engagement and interaction within your network, measuring responses to your initiatives and contributions. 3. Impact Analysis: Analyze the outcomes and impact of your network connections on achieving your objectives, assessing tangible benefits like professional growth, partnerships formed, or knowledge gained.

To measure and evaluate your network, map it out like you’re plotting your next luxe adventure. Visualize who’s who in your tribe—use LinkedIn, MindMeister, or Kumu to craft a swanky network map. Highlight your connections, how they link up, and who’s the power player in your circle. Size up the diversity—are you mixing it up with different industries and skills? Gauge the density—are your connections tight-knit and engaged? Pinpoint the centrality—who’s the key player connecting everyone? This map will flaunt how your network stacks up—like a bespoke outfit, it should fit your goals and dazzle with its impact. Keep it fresh by updating it as your network glows up!

The size of your network doesn't equal a quality network. A quality network is built over time from relationships building activity. That means being engaged, knowledgeable, approachable and willing to help people over time. An active social presence is a great way to maintain a relationships with your network at scale but it's not a replacement for real world discussion.

To measure your network’s impact, think less about numbers and more about the vibe. Sure, 500 connections looks snazzy, but dig deeper. Are these connections lighting up your career runway? Look for quality over quantity—connections who bring opportunities, knowledge, and diversity to your circle. Are they shaking things up in luxury goods or other hot spots? Keep tabs on engagement—are they sharing, supporting, and sparking ideas? It’s like curating a killer guest list—choose those who elevate your game and keep your network lit with fresh insights and luxe vibes. Quality connections? That’s your golden ticket to network success!

A quality network is all about the relationships. Diversity is key here, especially across industries. One of the most effective ways to foster connections is by building reciprocal relationships that recognis two individuals particular expertise. Reaching out when you think someone else may have better insights to a problem than you is an extremely effective way to foster a strong network without commerce getting in the way.

Building multiple relationships in parallel industries is social proof of the quality of your network. The densest professional networks are usually industry specific networks which makes them a great place to target for referral business. Learning about another industry improves your ability to solve their problems and if you can do make dense network connections effectively. The power of those relationships turns into profitable business.

Personal branding is a great way to position yourself at the centre a personal network and turn a network into community. If you can provide value over a long period of time, be open, helpful and approachable. A diverse network will emerge that come to you for your expertise. This is the most effective relationship building because it happens at scale.

Sometimes, networking leads to an insane amount of connections but none of them actually add any value to you or your career. It's easy for this to happen, because networking events are designed for people to mingle and socialize. The trick is to approach networking events with a goal in mind, and try to connect with likeminded individuals on a more personable and deeper level, exchange contact info etc. But for the people you meet that maybe don't add value, being friendly and respectful is good enough. Cordiality is part of a larger personal brand you build, so don't shun or snub people that maybe aren't of a high-value add, it will just make you look bad to the people you're actually trying to target too.