Networking is the key tool to progress in any career. One of the evident benefits of networking is advancing your career evolution and enlightening your communication skills. It also allows you access opportunities you might not be able to find on your own. It is believed that a great number of jobs are filled through networking. Having a strong network can help you differentiate your personal brand, connect with other professionals, exchange industry expertise, and also find jobs easily. Networking can be done with co-workers, friends, professors, advisors, and other professionals. Bonita Eliza, a business manager in a local branding firm states that you ought to be thankful. When someone spends a minute of their time and shares with you a job advert either via email or message, they probably want you to give it a shot. She notes that such people could also believe that you would do a great job considering it’s your profession, therefore, even if you have a great job at the moment, don’t overlook the opportunity passed on to you. Let this person know that you appreciate their concern. Send them an email explaining why their help was respected and helpful. She encourages meeting people face-to-face rather than sending text messages or communicating on phone as it might hinder proper networking. There are higher possibilities that busy people even take a long time to read messages. For her, once you notice that someone has something to learn from you, do what it takes to meet them physically as you are assured of full attention with face-to-face interactions and perhaps, it may create long lasting friendships. According to a recent survey, 95 per cent of employees say face-to-face meetings are essential for long-term business partnerships. Eliza urges joining groups or organisations that can help you find people who share the same professional interests and goals and also attend professional meetings as there is a likelihood of meeting new people. The business manager also adds that you can use your time and skills through volunteering in any organisation-although you may be sharing your knowledge, you could be opened up to different people that can support you. “Keep in touch with your former workers. Some people think once they resign and get a new job, all is done with their fellow colleagues, which isn’t advisable. Always keep contacts and communication with your former workers and customers because they could be the ones to connect you to your next deal,” she says. Robert Indoli, a marketing expert notes that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask someone in your network to introduce you to someone they know, and you can do the same for others as well. All it takes is to talk about these people’s successes. He also carries on that you should be able to go for opportunities since resources like LinkedIn and Facebook give you the opportunity to make connections easily without making a phone call or attending any event. Indoli highlights that you ought to stay in touch with former professors, lecturers, teachers and instructors or the faculty of your college or university, especially those who taught in your major, because in case of any opportunity, they can reach you because they even know your possibilities. But also, you can join your university alumni group. He also stresses that be social by connecting to people and sharing things about what you do and what you know about your industry, share ideas and knowledge to those that need it. There is no doubt that such people will remember you. “Give people fresh and creative content on social media in whatever domain you’re in, once you are persistent, your content will land on the right audience,” Indoli states. He however notes that growing your professional network does not come easy, which is why patience should be key. Connecting with many people quickly may seem desperate, annoying, and unethical, which can hinder you from building strong business partners.
