Career Networking Is Not A Bad Word

Networking is very common and essential in all careers. If you do have an ability to pull strings to advance your career, career networking will help you build a wide network of people who will assist you along your career path. It is discouraging to see your colleagues being promoted because they know how to lobby the bosses or they have the right ties at workplace. The reason why you remain behind may be due to your lack of networking opportunities.

Networking is basically making new friends. There is no excuse! If you know how to communicate with other people and to socialize, you are prepared for a networking session. You don’t have to be the closest friend of someone before you can ask for a favor. Being an acquaintance is good enough to ask for assistance where necessary.

Favor is the basis for networking. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. Where you are not being exploited or used, you should always be ready to dp a favor for someone. If it just takes up some of your time, it’s well worth it. That little bit of your time can make the other person much more willing to help you out in the future.

Way To Network

1. If you are looking for an opportunity, you may choose to go for local seminars or workshops where you will meet many people with various occupations and backgrounds. This will enhance your network of friend because you will never know when you will need their help. It is an effective platform to network.
2. If you are looking for business contacts, you may choose to go to various events where a lot of local or foreign businessmen participate. Take the initiative and talk to them!
3. Alternatively, you may want to consider participating in various social activities where you will meet people who share your interests; hence friendship is forged more easily due to common interests. Be active!
4. You may also choose to network virtually where you meet various people online. There are many social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook where you can easily add friends and keep in touch with them.

The main objective of networking is to make friends and build contacts so that when you require help in the future, you will know who to go to. However, you must be willing to help them so as to increase their willingness to help you in return.

A good network of friends can find you a job or a new business.

By: Phann Sopheara

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Reference :

- Norton University Newsletter, September 2010 / January 2011, Page: 55.