So, you went to an event, shook a hundred hands, swapped business cards like a magician, and now your LinkedIn inbox looks like a digital Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Success, right? Not so fast.
The number of connections you have is about as useful as the number of unread emails in your inbox—impressive to look at but completely meaningless if they don’t lead to real opportunities. True networking success isn’t about collecting people; it’s about building relationships that lead to something tangible.
So, how do you measure the success of your networking efforts? Let’s go beyond the vanity metrics and dive into what really counts.
1. Are You Having Quality Conversations?
Adding someone on LinkedIn is easy. Actually having a meaningful conversation? That’s where the magic happens.
At your last event, did you:
- Have at least three deep conversations that went beyond small talk?
- Learn something valuable from the people you spoke with?
- Feel like you made a genuine connection instead of just exchanging pleasantries?
If the answer is yes, you’re already ahead of most people who leave an event with 200 business cards but no recollection of who anyone actually is.
Quality beats quantity. Every time.
2. Are People Following Up With You?
You know networking went well when people actually remember you after the event. If you wake up to emails or messages saying, “Hey, let’s grab a coffee,” or “I’d love to collaborate on something,” congratulations! You didn’t just make noise—you made an impact.
On the flip side, if all your post-event outreach is met with radio silence, it might be time to rethink your approach. Maybe you weren’t memorable, or maybe your conversations were too surface-level. Either way, if no one follows up, it’s a sign that your networking efforts didn’t quite land.
Pro Tip: Keep the follow-up simple. Reference something specific from your conversation so they immediately remember who you are.
Example:
“Hey [Name], really enjoyed our chat about [topic] at [event]. I’d love to continue the conversation over a virtual coffee. Let me know when you’re free!”
It’s not rocket science, but it works.
3. Are You Getting Referrals or Opportunities?
The best networking results in action, not just connection requests.
- Have you received job offers, speaking engagements, or partnership opportunities?
- Have people introduced you to someone else who could help your business?
- Are potential clients reaching out after your conversations?
Networking should lead to something tangible. If you’re collecting contacts but not gaining opportunities, you might be networking for the sake of networking—not for business growth.
Ask yourself:
If I stopped networking today, would it impact my career or business? If the answer is no, then your networking strategy needs an upgrade.
4. Are You Helping Others as Much as You’re Getting Help?
Good networking isn’t just about what you can get—it’s also about what you can give.
- Have you made introductions between others in your network?
- Have you shared a resource that helped someone solve a problem?
- Have people started seeing you as a valuable connection, not just another business card?
When people start coming to you for advice, recommendations, or introductions, that’s when you know your networking is working. You’re not just another face in the crowd—you’re becoming a trusted resource.
Networking is a two-way street. If you’re only taking, people will notice. If you’re giving, people will remember.
5. Are Your Relationships Long-Lasting?
Think about the best connections you’ve made at events.
- Are you still in touch with them six months or a year later?
- Have they evolved into real friendships, partnerships, or mentorships?
- Can you pick up the phone and call them without it feeling weird?
If the answer is yes, you’re not just networking—you’re building a real network.
Great networking isn’t about speed; it’s about longevity. Some of the best business opportunities come from relationships that have been nurtured over time.
If all your event connections disappear after a month, it’s a sign that you’re not engaging enough. Send a quick message every now and then, share something relevant, or just check in. The small touches make a big difference.
Example Email for Reconnecting 6 Months Later
Subject: It’s Been a While – Let’s Catch Up!
Hey [Name], I can’t believe it’s been six months since [event name]! I was just thinking about our conversation on [specific topic you discussed], and I wanted to check in to see how things have been going for you. Have you made any progress with [their project/goal], or has anything exciting happened on your end? I’d love to hear about it. Also, I recently came across [a relevant article, podcast, or resource] and thought you might find it useful. No rush, but if you’re up for a quick catch-up call or virtual coffee, let me know! Either way, let’s not let another six months slip by without reconnecting. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
[Your LinkedIn or Website]
Why This Works:
✅ Reminds them of your previous conversation to spark recognition
✅ Shows genuine interest in their progress, making it personal
✅ Offers value with a relevant resource
✅ Creates a casual, no-pressure opportunity to reconnect This keeps your networking relationship warm and opens the door for future collaboration!
6. Are You Becoming the Person People Want to Meet?
Here’s a networking success metric that most people don’t think about: Are people seeking you out?
- Are you invited to exclusive networking events?
- Are people coming up to you at events saying, “I’ve heard great things about you”?
- Are you building a personal brand that attracts the right connections?
The ultimate networking success isn’t about how many people you know—it’s about how many people want to know you.
How to make that happen?
- Share valuable insights on LinkedIn and at events.
- Be the person who connects others.
- Show up consistently and be genuinely helpful.
The more you do this, the more networking stops feeling like work—and starts feeling like a powerful tool that works for you.
Final Thoughts: Networking is a Long Game
If you’ve been measuring networking success by your LinkedIn connection count, it’s time to level up.
Real networking success is about:
✅ Deep conversations over quick hellos
✅ Follow-ups that lead to real relationships
✅ Opportunities and referrals—not just business cards
✅ Helping others as much as you gain from them
✅ Building long-term connections that grow over time
✅ Becoming a person people seek out, not just another attendee
Next time you leave an event, don’t just count your LinkedIn requests—count the relationships that actually matter.
Because in the end, it’s not about how many people you know. It’s about how many people remember you, trust you, and want to do business with you.
Now go out there and network like a pro.