Whether you’re entering the working world, or you’ve been in it for quite some time, you probably would have heard the term ‘networking’ tossed around. Many will tell you that it’s all about interacting with others to exchange information and build relationships socially and professionally.
But why exactly is networking so important and how do you go about it?
- Your Network is Your Net Worth
You may have heard this phrase before and though cliché, it is most definitely true. Who you surround yourself with says a lot about you, but networking goes one step further. Your network includes persons you are not close with, persons you have worked with, volunteered with, maybe even partied with. Everyone from the staff in your office to your family and friends. Each small relationship lends towards your influence and can also help you to build a positive reputation.
- The Guy Who has a Guy
We all know that person who can always call someone to fix a problem, provide others with information or call someone who can call someone. Having such a large network allows you to be useful to others by facilitating the forging of beneficial relationships. It provides you with credible and accurate information that you may come to need and may also provide you with exposure to greater opportunities.
- Share and Listen!
If you’re new to networking, just start small. Take more interest in those around you and truly listen as they talk about themselves. People enjoy when others take interest in their own interests. However, you must be willing to share as well. Open up about your own interests, what you enjoy doing, where you work and what you currently do as well as what you have done in the past. Being more open allows people to trust you which is the beginning of a healthy relationship.
Bonus Tip: Do your best to see where your interests align with the interests of others. Finding a common ground makes relationship building much easier.
- Get out of your Comfort Zone!
Many of us are guilty of socializing with the same small circle. While there’s nothing wrong with this, it can prevent us from meeting new people and sharing in new experiences. Visit a new lunch spot, attend a networking mingle, go to a conference. These are all spaces where you can meet like-minded persons with different background and experiences.
Bonus Tip: While you may prefer to attend events with friends, you can really launch yourself out of your comfort zone by attending something alone. This stops you from staying within your circle and allows you to truly branch out and interact with others. It’s also important for you to interact with others outside of your industry to gain multiple perspectives.
- Stay in Contact!
This is probably the most important part of networking. After you make your connections, it’s important not to disappear on the people you’ve met. While you may be unable or uninterested in meeting up with everyone you connect with, you can send a message on occasion or socialize at events together. Strengthening relationships takes time and a little can go a long way.
Bonus Tip: Using platforms like LinkedIn makes it easier to maintain these connections. Not only is it the biggest platform used by professionals for networking, but it allows you to see notifications of the successes of your peers, their interests and allows you to do the same. Utilizing this hub can really allow you to establish your personal brand and strengthen your network.
Jameela Hollingsworth, Owner of HR Boss, is a contributing writer to the CaribbeanJobs.com Blog.
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