As the new year begins, you’re probably in the throes of setting an array of ambitious resolutions, intentions, goals, and strategic plans.  As you do this, be sure to include a few that will guide your business networking as well.  Here are a eight questions that can guide you in this process:

1. What 20% of your friends, colleagues, customers & contacts made the greatest positive impact on you and your business in 2011?
2. Describe what these impacts were. (Hint: they don’t have to be monetary.)
3. Using adjectives and short phrases, describe your 20% (a.k.a. your “Twenty Percenters”)
4. Where, how, or through whom did you meet them?
5. What can you do in 2012 to stay in touch with these people?
6. Where, how, and through whom could you meet more potential Twenty Percenters?
7. What can you let go of in 2012 to allow more time and energy for #5 and #6?
8. What could you do to ensure you’re a Twenty Percenter on your Twenty Percenters’ lists?

Finally, jot a note somewhere in your December 2012 calendar reminding you to evaluate how answering (and acting on) these questions affected your networking, business, career, and life throughout the year. I’ll be eager to hear about it!

One more idea for 2012:  If you’ve not read The Intentional Networker™: Attracting Powerful Relationships, Referrals & Results in Business, it would make for perfect January reading. Readers and reviewers tell me it’s far more than a networking book; more of a field guide that maps out how to succeed and be more purposeful, polished, and productive in business and in life. It’s available in print and electronic editions through major book outlets, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others.  You can also get a signed copy from me directly by clicking here.