The game of networking has tremendously changed over the years. From the telegraph to the time of friend requests, a lot has happened. How would Samuel Morse, the inventor of the Telegraph machine, react if he were alive today? Because networking is done in all areas now, be it connecting with your friends and family or establishing a professional relationship.
Networking is an important tool in today’s world. No business or profession can function with a one-man army. It needs collaboration and expertise. Networking can increase visibility, widen possibilities, and increase knowledge. It adds tremendous value to your field.
Networking - is it useful?
The short answer is a definite yes. But you might wonder how. Let’s have a look.
1. Pool of Opportunities
Networking gives you a chance to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. They could be clients, mentors, potential partners, or just like-minded people. When you converse with like-minded people your professional knowledge widens and you have a fresh perspective on various topics.
2. Personal Branding
When you meet professionals from your field it is a wonderful opportunity for you to talk about your skills, expertise, achievements, and knowledge.
3. Career Growth
Networking is not only useful for new job opportunities, but it also gives us insight into industry standards when we converse with industry experts.
4. Resource Procurement
Resources are required for business development as well as personal and professional development. During crucial times, our network can help us with necessary finances, information, or even technical expertise. So, how do we work on this and improve our networking game?
Plan of Action for Networking:
1. Social Media:
People use social media mainly to post pictures and connect with their loved ones, but it has also made its mark on professional relationships. Platforms like LinkedIn have over 1 billion users. Make use of this platform by connecting with people from your field and discussing important industry topics. Also, don’t feel shy to talk about your achievements. It is a way of portraying your caliber to the professional world.
Your LinkedIn speaks louder than your resume! Also, carefully consider what you post on professional platforms. Please avoid posting personal content.
2. Conferences
Social media has its limitations. You can’t have extensive conversations on a social media platform. Attending industry-relevant conferences will help you establish face-to-face conversations. Don’t silently sit throughout the conference. When you attend such events make sure to strike up a conversation with like-minded people, ask genuine questions and discuss the business you are into, or ask for job opportunities!
But before you attend these programs, do your research. Find out the purpose of the event, the speakers, their expertise, etc. Once the program is done, send a thank you note to the event organizers and speakers via LinkedIn.
3. Quality over Quantity
Networking is not about having a long list of professional connections. Even while networking it is important to check their quality. Professional relationships require genuineness. Connect with people with a similar belief system. Don’t build connections just because someone has 20 years of experience and can help you with your professional growth. If you have time, spend some time knowing people and their journey. You can learn a lot!
4. Professional Guru
Mentorship is extremely important in one’s professional journey. A mentor will help with your professional development, and also figure out your shortcomings which you might have overseen. A good mentor will enable you to see your caliber and encourage you to step out of your comfort zone.
5. Internal Networking
Sometimes you have to look within rather than outside to establish meaningful professional relationships. When you make the internal relationships stronger it creates opportunities for new initiatives. Company programs and employee engagement activities are some good points for internal networking.
6. Pay it Forward
As you network, you learn and grow. Don’t keep that to yourself. Share your learnings because that’s the whole point of networking. Just as you received a helping hand when you needed it the most, give the same support to others in need. This makes you a trustworthy person in your professional field which is an important quality that companies look for in their candidates.
Conclusion
It is necessary to understand that networking should not be seen from a “What can I get out of this” mentality. Networking makes you a part of a professional community. This community will not only benefit you but will also help you reach a position where you can support others. You can be a great resource to your workplace when you start networking with other professionals as that will expand the business.
Here, at Job Booster, we understand the importance of Networking. Job Booster constantly reaches out to different companies and CSR Heads for collaboration and business. We have successfully worked with reputed companies for recruitment purposes. At the same time, we have extended our efforts through some social projects in different parts of the country. We also network with other social enterprises to support them in their projects. Do reach out to us - we could have a really interesting conversation!
