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It is hard to deny the value of networking in business. Networking is the art of leveraging connections for increased benefits, whether job opportunities or social advancement. Interestingly, the impact can be negative when it is done incorrectly.
The Art of Networking
In the era of social networking, it is easy to create lots of ‘network noise’. This refers to random efforts of friending everyone on Facebook or sending invitations to random people on LinkedIn for example. Fruitful networking calls for being selective as not every contact will be a good fit for you. Once a contact has been made it is necessary to maintain that contact, otherwise your efforts will be in vain.
With employment opportunities dwindling in some areas, good networking connections can improve prospects. The right contacts can provide introductions to people needing your skills.
Being successful at networking calls for doing a few things right which include:
- Sharing information. If you are part of a group don’t keep quiet; offer advice when you can and share information that can help other members. This will help to establish you as an expert in a particular area.
- Be honest and authentic. If you are perceived as genuine you are more likely to gain information and leads.
- Offer to help when you can, even when no reward is offered. In many cases, you may be the first point of contact when paying jobs come up.
People who are successful at networking keep on learning. They listen actively and get involved in what they are doing. They understand the value not only of contacts, but more so, the value of having the right contacts.
