5 Things to Think About When Planning for 2026 Networking

Audit How You’ve Been Showing Up

As you plan for what you want to accomplish in 2026, It’s important to reflect on how you showed up in 2025

Ask yourself

• Who did you truly connect with this year?
• Which rooms actually aligned with your goals?
• Which relationships or memberships actually created opportunities or growth?

As you prepare for 2026, know why you’re walking into a room and who you hope to impact.

Too many people attend events without clarity or follow-through. Let’s disrupt that pattern in 2026.

Redefine What Networking Really Means

Networking is not about collecting contacts; it’s about cultivating trust.

It’s the intentional and strategic process of building a circle of influence, for yourself and for those around you.

This shift is what separates those who go to events from those who become known in their industry, bring genuine value, and generate real results.

Choose Your Rooms Wisely

Every room, event, or conversation can and should integrate with your purpose, business goals, or personal growth.

Before showing up, think about:

• Who do I want to meet?
• What value can I bring?
• What impression do I want to leave behind?

Preparation creates peace, and peace allows authenticity to lead your interactions.

Strengthen Your Follow-Up Muscle

The most successful professionals aren’t the ones who make the best first impression, they’re the ones who create the best second one.

Following up isn’t about simply “checking in"; It’s about continuing the conversation.

Send a thoughtful note. Share a resource. Make an introduction. Revisit something meaningful from your interaction.

Your consistency builds trust, and trust creates opportunity.

Play the Long Game

Networking is not a one-time effort; it’s a lifelong discipline. Every conversation, act of generosity, and introduction compounds over time.

The truth is, your network isn't built in rooms. It’s built on follow-up, consistency, reliability and integrity.

As we enter 2026, don’t just attend more events, be more intentional in every interaction.

And remember: If you want different results, you must show up differently.

Different mindset. Different rooms. Different energy.