Most people think of networking as walking into a crowded room and striking a conversation with complete strangers. It’s not. Networking is the ability to walk out of that room with some meaningful connections that you plan to stay in touch with in the social or professional world.
Any network--professional or social--if utilized well, delivers excellent return of your time and money. What makes networking so important? Why do you really need to go out and network?
To gain knowledge
“A man who thinks he knows everything actually knows nothing.”
You learn from your experience or from others’ experience. When you network, you expose yourself to an immense learning opportunity. In fact, there are some network groups formed solely for the purpose of learning some new skill, technology or strategy.
People in these groups gather periodically to share experience and lessons from work and life. Joining such a network is worth your time if you are looking to progress in your career, education or life.
Relationship networking
I cannot emphasize enough the fact that when it about knowing people in a new workplace, city or even county, networking is the best and easiest option. When you meet people and utilize these relationships to progress in business or career, it is called relationship networking.
How do you make long, lasting relationships with people is depends on your ability to connect and engage people. I would still say it’s an art that becomes easier with time, experience and exposure to people.
Community building
I am part of a community which caters to newcomers in the country by mentoring and guiding them through job search, interviews and cultural differences. A community is actually working together, for a common cause or common interest. As a result you become an association that’s self-sufficient and reliable. In turn, you gain companionship, recognition and cooperation from the society.
Where to Network?
If you are thinking of professional or business networking, target your network. By targeting, I mean decide your goals or purpose of networking and reach out to specific places/groups that would help you achieve that. Some places where people network for a purpose are:
Meetup Groups
From work to life, interest and hobbies, there’s nothing that meetup groups do not cover. These groups are started with the sole purpose of bringing people with similar interests or purpose together. Just login in to Meetup and join groups in your area.
Professional Associations
No matter what profession you are in, there’s an association regulated by a licensed body, or running independently, catering to professionals in similar fields. Their purpose is to promote, develop and recognize outstanding performers at work. People Matters, People-Pal, NHRD, SHRM are some such associations for employers and employees where people work together for success.
Online networking
The biggest benefit of online network groups is the convenience of time and space. If you are someone who has a tight work-life schedule, online network groups give you the comfort to network when you want and from where you want. A lot of focus groups work online where members contribute virtually.
With networking, you give yourself an opportunity to establish your personal brand. Everyone you meet could be a prospective employer or buyer.
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