5-50-100 Networking Circles

5-50-100 Networking Circles Template for Notion 

Some people say networking is an art 🎨. Others believe anyone can master it with the right approach 🎓. What I can tell you for sure is that networking provides you with an enormous advantage in today’s ultra-connected world. 

And now there is a system to manage your Contacts in Networking Circles using Notion!

The 5-50-100 Networking Circles template offers a strategic management system for your contacts, ensuring you keep your important relationships close, remember their birthdays, build up your social capital, and ultimately stay top of mind when opportunities arise.

Organise your contacts in 3 circles:

Top 5: Your inner circle, the people you interact with most frequently and trust deeply. 

Key 50: Important business and personal relationships that you nurture regularly. 

Next 100: Broader professional network contacts that you stay in touch with periodically.

Principles of Networking Circles

The principle is simple: while we can naturally connect with about 150 people, modern life often introduces us to many more. Staying on top of these connections can be overwhelming without a structured approach.

The Networking Circles system is inspired by Judy Robinett's book "How to Be a Power Connector: The 5+50+100 Rule for Turning Your Business Network into Profits." Robinett’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of building and nurturing quality relationships with people who can make a significant impact on your professional success and removes all taboos we can have around Networking.

They key success factors for your professional network, as shared by Robinett, are: “(1) pinpoint the relationships you will pursue and nurture;(2) reach beyond just friends, family, and profession and build a wide network of connections;(3) use a system for adding value to those contacts regularly; and(4) become the connector between connections—the person who can help people reach a resource they would never know about and could never reach if it weren’t for you.” (Source: Time Magazine)

How to Use This Template

1. Set Up Your Contacts Database: Categorize your contacts into the three circles: Closest 5, Top 50, and Next 100. 💡 You can do an initial import via CSV into Notion and also use Clay for smart integrations with your social networks. I have made an adapted template with a training guide if you use the power of Clay.

2. Schedule Regular Follow-Ups: Establish follow-up frequencies based on the circle each contact belongs to. 💡 Once you had been in touch with one of your contacts, simply tick the Contacted checkbox next to each contact. This will update the property Last follow-up and will recalculate when is the next recommended time to get in rouch.

3. Document Interactions: Use the database to record interactions, topics discussed, and important personal details (I found that remembering children’s names warms up people very quickly!).

4. Review and Update: Regularly review and update your contacts and their details to keep your network dynamic and meaningful.

Bonus: You can use the 5-50-100 Networking Circles with Clay 

Clay brings all your contacts in the same system, and automatically updates the information so you are always up to date. 

Using Clay with Notion will make the import of your contacts fluid and hassle-free. Detailed explanations inside the template explain how to integrate the two systems.

P.S. I am in no way affiliated with Clay. 

How often should you connect to your contacts?

Judy Robinett suggests reaching out to your contacts on a daily / weekly / monthly basis. However, I find this approach unsustainable with a busy work and life schedule so here is an adapted version:

🌟 Top 5s: Inner Circle Follow-up

• Frequency: Weekly or Bi-weekly

• Method: Phone calls, Text messages, or Face-to-face

• Content: Personal life updates, emotional support, and critical life and business decisions.

🔗 Key 50s: Business + Personal Relationship Follow-up

• Frequency: Monthly

• Method: Personalized email or phone call

• Content: Updates on your professional life, asking for or offering assistance, and sharing valuable resources.

🌐 Next 100s: Professional Network Follow-up

• Frequency: Quarterly

• Method: LinkedIn message or business email

• Content: Sharing industry news, congratulating on new roles or achievements, and asking for or offering specific help.