Networking goals for the year ahead
How to set networking goals for the year ahead
A fresh year, a fresh chance to grow your network with intention
There’s something about January that makes everything feel possible.
New energy. New ideas. New determination to make this year’s business better than the last.
And for many business owners, that includes making networking a bigger, more consistent part of how they grow.
But here’s the thing.
You don’t grow your business through networking by accident.
You grow it by showing up with intention. By building habits. By tracking the simple things that genuinely move the needle. By being part of a community that knows you, trusts you, and actively promotes you.
Whether you’re brand new to TNG, returning after a break, or ready for a more focused year, this blog will walk you through setting networking goals that are realistic, energising, and easy to stick to.
Because when you know where you’re heading, your confidence grows, your motivation lifts, and you get so much more value out of every meeting you attend.
Why networking goals matter more than you think
Setting networking goals isn’t about pressure. It’s about clarity.
When you know what you want from your year, it becomes much easier to stay consistent, ask for support, and see your progress.
With clear goals, you:
stay intentional instead of reactive.
track what’s working.
build stronger relationships.
feel more confident and connected.
see the business growth you deserve.
Networking is one of the most cost-effective ways to build your business in a slow economy, because it builds trust, amplifies word of mouth, and connects you with people who genuinely want to help you succeed.
The three types of networking goals every business owner should set
Many TNG members set goals in three key areas.
These keep your networking focused and measurable, without becoming overwhelming.
Meeting attendance goals
Consistency creates connection.
Your group meets every fortnight, giving you 26 opportunities each year to put your message in front of people who want to help you grow.
Attending regularly helps you:
build familiarity.
strengthen trust.
share updates.
stay top of mind.
Example attendance goals:
Attend 22 to 26 meetings this year.
Add meetings to your calendar as soon as the invites come through.
Reduce avoidable absences by planning ahead.
One-on-one goals
This is where real relationships grow.
One-on-ones help you understand what members do, share what you do, and discover ways to help each other confidently and authentically.
Example one-on-one goals:
Schedule at least one one-on-one per month.
Meet with every member in your group at least once.
Reconnect with members you haven’t spoken to recently.
Keep a simple log so you know who you’ve met and what you discussed.
Referral and support goals
Referrals are a natural byproduct of strong relationships, not forced transactions.
At TNG, authenticity matters. Genuine referrals come from trust and intention.
Example referral goals:
Look for one genuine referral opportunity per month.
Share someone’s social post each fortnight.
Introduce two members when you see a good fit.
Invite guests when you find people who’d benefit from the group.
How to set networking goals you’ll actually stick to
A goal is only helpful if it feels doable. Not perfect. Doable.
Keep your goals small and specific
Big goals sound good, but small goals get finished.
Start with measurable activities across the three areas above.
Good examples include:
“I’ll attend at least 10 meetings in the first half of the year.”
“I’ll book my one-on-ones while I’m at the meeting.”
“I’ll track referrals in a simple spreadsheet.”
Make them visible
Goals you can’t see are goals you’ll forget. Keep yours somewhere visible:
a notebook.
a tracker on your wall.
a digital checklist.
a simple spreadsheet.
Align your goals with your season
Business seasons change.
Busy season? Choose smaller, maintainable goals.
Steadier season? Increase your one-on-one rhythm or plan ahead for visitors.
Ask your group to keep you accountable
You’re surrounded by supportive business owners who want to help. Tell people what you’re aiming for and ask them to check in with you.
Accountability builds momentum. Momentum builds confidence. Confidence builds referrals.
Goal setting ideas to help you build confidence and consistency
If you need inspiration, here are simple, high-impact networking goals many members set:
Attendance goals
Attend every meeting for the first quarter.
Aim for 85 to 100 percent attendance annually.
Connection goals
Meet two members you don’t know well each month.
Re-meet everyone you connected with last year.
Attend one additional TNG event outside your regular meeting.
Visibility goals
Update your 60-second pitch every quarter.
Make the most of your 10 minute presentation slot.
Share two group members’ social media posts monthly.
Ask for feedback on your pitch and refine it.
Contribution goals
Bring two guests this year.
Share practical tips or insights in meetings.
Look for collaboration opportunities.
A simple way to track your progress
Tracking doesn’t need to be complicated. Choose one method:
a spreadsheet with columns for meetings, one-on-ones, and referrals.
a networking notebook.
a notes app tally.
a printed checklist.
The goal is awareness, not perfection. When you can see your activity, you can adapt your goals with confidence.
Small steps, strong relationships, steady growth
Networking works when you work it consistently.
Not in big bursts, not only when you’re quiet, and not only at the start of the year. It works through steady, human connection.
When you set clear goals, track your progress, and stay engaged, you’ll see your confidence lift, your relationships strengthen, and your business grow in ways that are hard to achieve alone.
If you’re ready to make this your strongest networking year yet, start simple. Start small. Start today.
