Welcome to Honor & Purpose Premium Edition Newsletter. Here we will take a deeper dive into topics relative to military - civilian transition. Each week is designed to help develop strategies, discover new techniques, and learn from those who've gone before you.
Networking - Measuring Effectiveness
Welcome back! In the last issue we discussed the importance of understanding what you want to get out of networking efforts before you start. Hopefully, you’ve had some time to think about that and come up with a purpose statement that can help ground you while your jumping into this head first.
How to Measure the Effectiveness of Your Professional Networking
Having a sense of purpose and what you want to get from your network is crucial to the next concept that we’ll discuss today, and that is how to measure your effectiveness. We hear how crucial it is—for career growth, learning opportunities, or landing that post transition role—but how do we actually know if our efforts are working? This is a question I found myself asking as I navigated the early stages of my transition from the Air Force. What’s the point of spending hours updating LinkedIn, scheduling meet and greets, and attending events if there’s no tangible sense of progress?
As I delved deeper into this question, I realized that while we’re often told what to do when networking, we’re rarely taught how to evaluate the outcomes. This led me to try and come up with some ways that I could tell if I was making any headway or just adding a bunch of contacts to my list. Below are what I came up with as some signs your networking is on the right track and some actionable ways to measure its effectiveness.
You’re Seeing Real Results
The clearest indicator of successful networking is achieving measurable outcomes is the most obvious. Usually you don’t see these results right away. I wanted to put this first because these things are what most of us expect our networking to do, we just haven’t defined it. To see if your are getting real results have you:
- Landed New Opportunities: A job offer, a project, or even a mentorship
- Received Referrals: Are people actively connecting you with others in their circles
- Gained Resources: Has your network provided advice, tools, or introductions that advanced your goals
These results might not happen immediately, but when they do, they’re a direct reflection of the quality of your networking efforts.
People Are Reaching Out to You
One of the most rewarding signs of effective networking is when others start coming to you. During a transition period this mostly shows up as other transitioning military members asking you how you’ve approached networking. Invitations to events, panels, or collaborations signal that your name is circulating in the right circles and that people value your input.
Meaningful Engagement Online
In our hyper-digital world, platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook aren’t just networking tools; they’re indicators of your professional visibility. A few metrics to track include:
- Profile Views: Is your profile attracting attention from the right audiences
- Post Engagement: Are your updates sparking discussions or being shared
- Network Growth: Are you steadily connecting with individuals who align with your goals
While quantity can matter, quality engagement—authentic comments, thoughtful shares—is what truly reflects a strong network. This is especially important if you are focusing in on a particular industry or company. Are your engagements reaching that audience?
Quality Over Quantity
When I started networking, I chased numbers: how many connections, how many events. I had a spreadsheet that looked impressive. It wasn’t until later that I realized the importance of depth over breadth. I was fortunate to have a mentor who actually told me to ease up on the networking and put that energy into making more meaningful connections. Reflect on your network:
- Are your connections aligned with your career goals
- Are your interactions genuine and mutually beneficial
- Are your contacts offering perspectives or opportunities that resonate
A small, focused network of people who “get” you is often far more impactful than a sprawling list of acquaintances. They are more likely to actually refer you to their colleagues and because you may have a stronger connection they may think of you when there is an opportunity for a job. If you were just one of the many people that used the speed dating approach chances are your not top of mind with that connection.
Feedback and Recognition
A valuable network provides validation and constructive feedback. Positive signs include:
- LinkedIn endorsements or recommendations.
- Acknowledgments in meetings or professional circles.
- Expressions of gratitude for your insights or contributions.
This kind of recognition shows that your relationships are built on respect and trust. Be ready to take constructive inputs too. In fact I would even say you should ask for it. You’ll be able to tell pretty quickly by peoples responses if there is a connection. That is a tactic I used. If the feedback was “you’re doing great” than there probably wasn’t a quality connection. If, however, I received good detailed suggestions that was something to build on. Not only did it help refine my techniques, it gave me an opportunity to stay engaged with that individual as that feedback usually turned into a good discussion that went beyond the initial meet and greet.
Regular Conversations and Follow-ups
Strong networks don’t form overnight. They’re built through consistent effort. If you find that people:
- Respond promptly to your messages
- Initiate follow-ups after initial meetings
- Invite you to further conversations or opportunities
It’s a sign you’ve built rapport and that your relationships are thriving. The key is to to make the effort to continue the conversation. If a contact follow’s up with you it’s imperative you respond in a timely manner and continue to cultivate that conversation. Don’t leave a contact hanging!
You’re Becoming a Go-To Resource
One of the most gratifying moments in networking is when people start coming to you for advice, introductions, or insights. It’s a reflection of the trust you’ve earned and your growing reputation as a knowledgeable, connected professional. As I mentioned earlier, this could be from other transitioning military members asking you about your methods.
What was surprising to me though, was some of the people I networked with that didn’t have any military affiliation started asking me advice. They started asking me about how to talk to Veterans about certain things, how to interpret a resume from a military member, and just general military questions. I became a source for them and that is a very good sign.
You Feel Energized and Inspired
Networking isn’t just about what you gain externally; it’s about how it impacts you internally. Do your interactions leave you feeling:
- Motivated
- Informed
- Excited about new ideas or opportunities
If so, you’re likely building connections that align with your passions and goals. If you begin to feel worn out or feel like your just going through the motions the person you are talking with will notice! Take a break and come back in when you can put your best foot forward.
Strategies to Evaluate and Improve Networking Effectiveness
Recognizing these signs is just one piece of the puzzle. To ensure continued success, consider these strategies:
- Define Your Goals: Be clear about what you want to achieve. Are you seeking a mentor, a new role, or industry insights? Clarity helps focus your efforts.
- Track Your Activities: Use a simple system—a notebook, spreadsheet, or app—to log who you’ve connected with, when you last followed up, and the outcomes.
- Periodically Audit Your Network: Identify gaps. Are there industries or skills you’re not connected to that could benefit your goals?
- Ask for Feedback: Trusted peers can offer insights into how you’re perceived and areas for improvement.
- Engage Consistently: Networking isn’t one-and-done. Stay visible and involved through regular posts, check-ins, and event participation.
- Stay Genuine: Authenticity builds trust. Focus on building real relationships rather than transactional ones.
Final Thoughts
Measuring networking effectiveness isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about recognizing the ways your efforts are creating meaningful change. Whether it’s landing a dream job, gaining a trusted mentor, or simply feeling more connected to your industry, the true power of networking lies in the relationships you build. Approach it with purpose, reflect on your progress, and adjust your strategy as needed. The results will speak for themselves.
Now that we have a foundation for our networking efforts, a purpose & what success looks like, we'll start diving into some tactics and techniques that can really make a difference in the coming week. As always, thanks for reading and we'll see you next week!