ENROLL NOW IN THE NETWORKING BLUEPRINT COURSE

Learn how to unlock the power of your network to drive consistent business.

In the Networking Blueprint, we dive deep into how to identify your VIPs and create a concrete plan for building lasting, valuable connections. But don’t wait for the course to begin—start turning conversations into real opportunities now! Just read below to find out how.

Why VIPs Are Key to Your Success
Networkingg isn’t just about connecting with anyone and everyone. It’s about finding the right people who can truly help you grow–people who have influence, connections, and the ability to push your buisness forward.

Of course, when most people think about networking, they focus on three basic categories: mentors, potential clients, and strategic partners. But to truly unlock high-value referrals, you need to go beyond those surface-level connections. Instead, you want to seek out individuals who not only have wide networks, but valuable, well-connected networks—people who regularly engage with decision-makers and influencers. To do that, you need to build a VIP list—a targeted list of individuals who can make a real difference in your career or business. Having a strong VIP network means you’re surrounded by people who can directly influence your success. These are the individuals who can connect you with new clients, offer valuable mentorship, and send high-value referrals your way. By strategically identifying and building relationships with your VIPs, you’re positioning yourself for long-term growth and consistent business opportunities.

Here’s how I did it, step by step, and how you can do it too.

Step 1: Start With the People You Already Know
Before you go hunting for new contacts, take a look at the people you already know. This might include:

• Family members
• Friends
• Former colleagues
• High school or college acquaintances you haven’t spoken to in year

Think of everyone. For example, I listed my brother, my daughter, even old friends from high school who I haven’t spoken to in years. The goal here is to just list everyone you have known and currently know. Even people you dislike, put them on the list.

Step 2: Sort Your Friends
Then, sort through the list. Some people, like my friend Ralph (a great guy, but not moving beyond what he’s doing), won’t be able to help much. But others—like my well-connected financial advisor who’s always moving and shaking—are key players who could offer valuable support or introductions.

Go ahead and grade your people. They won’t know unless you tell them, so it’s fine.
Here’s how I grade the people I know:

A – High-Value Connections (VIPs)

• Well-connected individuals with influence and a valuable network.
• They are actively engaged in their community or industry, and you can see a clear way they could help you or refer you to others.
• You have a good personal relationship with them, or you can easily approach them for advice, introductions, or business opportunities.

Example: My financial advisor, who is well-connected and regularly interacts with high-value clients and business leaders.

B – Potentially Valuable Connections

• These are people who have a solid network, but maybe they’re not in your exact industry or don’t have a direct line to what you need.
• You may not have a strong personal relationship with them yet, but they’re approachable, and with some effort, the connection could deepen.
• They could introduce you to others, but it might take longer to cultivate.

Example: A friend from college who works in a different field but knows people in your industry or community.

C – Casual Acquaintances

• These individuals are more social contacts than professional ones.
• They may not have much influence or a network that’s relevant to your business, but they can still provide occasional advice or be part of your broader social network.
• They aren’t likely to generate referrals or business connections, but they’re good to maintain in your circle.

Example: A high school friend you still talk to occasionally but who isn’t connected to any relevant business opportunities for you.

D – Non-Movers
These are people who are unlikely to contribute to your business or networking goals. They either have no valuable connections, are disengaged, or don’t have influence in any field relevant to your goals. Of course, it’s important to maintain friendships, but they probably won’t move the needle for your business. And it’s not like you’re going to stop having that friendly beer with Ralph–it’s just you might have more friendly beers with your financial advisor instead.

Example: A high school friend you still talk to occasionally but who isn’t connected to any relevant business opportunities for you.

Step 3: Identify Your Core 10 VIPs
Now that you’ve gone through everyone you know and graded them, it’s time to focus on your A-List—the people who are truly going to help you unlock high-value referrals and drive your business forward.

These aren’t just the people you like or hang out with socially. These are the ones who:

• Have influence and access to other key individuals or opportunities.
• Are well-connected and know people who can benefit your business.
• Are active in their industry or community and always seem to have their finger on the pulse.

From that A-List, narrow it down to 10-15 key individuals who can actively support your growth. Ideally, aim for 10 people—this keeps your focus sharp and your efforts manageable.

Example:

• Your financial advisor who’s well-connected to other business owners.
• A local real estate developer who has access to high-value clients.
• A city council member who can introduce you to other influential community leaders.

For each person, write down how specifically they can help you. Whether it’s through direct referrals, introductions to other key players, or strategic advice, knowing exactly what they can offer will help you approach them with a clear purpose.

Step 4: Round Out Your List With 35-40 New Contacts
Next, you want to expand your list. This is where you focus on people you don’t know yet, but want to connect with. These are (again) high-value individuals in your community or industry who could become crucial contacts over time.

Create a list of 35-40 people you’d like to get to know. These might be:

• Local business leaders (e.g., a CEO or town administrator)
• Industry influencers
• Well-connected individuals who could introduce you to others

Start by stalking (in a non-creepy way) on social media. Find basic facts like:

• Birthdays
• Whether they’re a dog or cat person
• Mutual friends or colleagues
• Contact information (if publicly available)

Use platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to check for mutual relationships. This is gold—when you see you have a mutual connection with one of your core 10-15 VIPs, you can leverage that relationship to ask for an introduction.

Build Your Network Intentionally
This isn’t about networking for networking’s sake. It’s about finding the right people who can truly make a difference in your business life. By starting with those you already know, expanding your reach, and leveraging mutual connections, you can create a VIP list that unlocks high-value referrals and consistent business opportunities.

Start building your list today and see how strategic networking can take your business to new heights.

Ready to Dive Deeper?
In the Networking Blueprint, we teach you step by step how to identify your VIPs, build meaningful relationships, and unlock the full potential of your network. Don’t miss the chance to turn your connections into real opportunities—join us today!

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