A pre-networking checklist to ensure you're ready for success

Networking is a powerful tool for expanding your professional opportunities and building valuable connections, but before you dive into the world of networking, it’s crucial to make sure that your business is polished and prepared.

A strong foundation not only makes you feel confident but also makes you more effective when meeting potential clients or collaborators. Here’s a detailed checklist to ensure you’re ready for networking success.

1. A professional brand identity

Your brand identity should be clear and compelling. This means having a well-defined logo, consistent color palette, and professional design elements that reflect who you are and what you offer. A strong brand helps you stand out and makes a memorable impression on potential contacts.

• Action Step: Review your branding assets to ensure they are cohesive and professional. If needed, invest in a designer to create or refine your brand identity although if you're just starting out in your business, I DO NOT recommend you make this investment, but if you've been in business for a year or 2, go or it!

2. Set up a portfolio, maybe

A compelling portfolio showcases your best work and highlights your skills and experience, yes. But please don't let that stop you. It should be a reflection of your expertise and the results you’ve achieved for past clients. Make sure it’s up-to-date and tailored to your target audience.

BUT, if you don't have past clients yet, or your projects are under NDAs or you simply are not proud of them, I'm here to tell you, you don't need them, is it better to have them? yes, but please, even if you don't have passion projects to share (the ones you create for fun and/or for fake clients), set up something quick, your own link in bio website is a demonstration of your skills and professionalism, choose a great template or design something of your own, just make sure you're proud of it.

• Action Step: Curate your portfolio to include recent projects that demonstrate a range of skills and successes. Ensure that your portfolio is easily accessible and visually appealing. You can grab my free link in bio Framer template here.

3. Be clear on who you are, what your offer is and what your prices are

Aka, have an elevator pitch ready. This is your chance to introduce yourself and your business quickly and effectively when someone asks what do you do. It should be concise, engaging, and tailored to resonate with your target audience.

• Action Step: Write and practice a 30-second elevator pitch that covers who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique. Test it out with friends or colleagues to refine it and please, don't sound like Chat GPT wrote it, be yourself!

4. Establish a streamlined client journey

A streamlined client journey ensures that potential clients have a smooth and professional experience from initial contact through to project completion. This includes having a clear process for onboarding, communication, and project management.

• Action Step: Map out the steps in your client journey, from inquiry to project delivery, if you're not sure what it is, open your favorite AI tool and tell it to help you figure it out. Create templates and processes to ensure consistency and efficiency in how you handle client interactions. Even better, write your SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).

5. Update your online presence

Your online presence is often the first impression potential clients and connections will have of you. Ensure that your website and social media profiles are up-to-date, professional, and reflective of your brand. This includes having a clean, functional website (or link in bio) and engaging, relevant content on social media platforms.

• Action Step: Conduct an audit of your online presence. Update your website with current information, optimize your profiles on social media, and ensure that your contact information is easily accessible.

6. Organize your networking materials

Prepare materials such as business cards, brochures, and any other handouts you might need. These should be professionally designed and aligned with your brand identity.

• Action Step: Design and print high-quality business cards and other promotional materials. Ensure they include your contact information and a clear call-to-action.

7. Set clear networking goals

Before you attend any networking event, it’s essential to have clear goals. Are you looking to find new clients, partners, or industry insights? Knowing your objectives will help you focus your efforts and make the most out of your networking opportunities.

• Action Step: Define specific, measurable goals for each networking event you attend. Write them down and review them before the event to keep yourself focused. Use my networking strategy worksheet 101 Notion template to guide you through the process.

8. Prepare Your follow-up strategy

Effective follow-up is crucial for turning networking connections into meaningful relationships. Have a plan in place for how you will follow up with new contacts, including how and when you will reach out and what information you will share.

• Action Step: Create a follow-up plan that includes sending personalized thank-you notes or emails, connecting on LinkedIn, and scheduling follow-up meetings if applicable. Grab my networking worksheet to keep the process organized.

9. Practice your networking skills

Networking doesn’t always come naturally, especially if you’re an introvert. Practicing your approach can help build confidence and improve your interactions with others.

• Action Step: Role-play networking scenarios with a friend or mentor. Focus on being authentic and engaging, and use these sessions to increase your confidence.

Having a well-prepared foundation will not only make your networking more effective but will also make you feel more confident along the way.

To help you get started on the right foot, grab my Networking Strategy Worksheet. This worksheet will help you outline your goals, prepare for events, and track your progress, setting you up for networking success.

By following this checklist and using my worksheet, you’ll find that networking becomes a more manageable and rewarding part of your professional journey. Embrace the preparation, and watch as your networking efforts open doors to new opportunities and relationships.

And please, keep me in the loop, DM or email me to let me know how these strategies are going, I'm here if you need any guidance.

Overall, be yourself and have fun!