A Guide To Networking
What is Networking?
To make sure we're on the same page, let's clear something up. What exactly is networking? As Claire Dignall, the author of Successful Networking in 7 Simple Steps states, "Networking is the process of meeting new people and maintaining valuable contact with these people, to the benefit of both you and them." This means that it can happen anywhere, and come in various forms - dinners, graduation ceremonies, sporting events, etc.
When you're in need of promoting yourself or your brand, it is important to attract the attention of others to support your purpose - but how to do this exactly? Maybe it's about the time you turn your head towards networking. Networking is a vital skill that you will no doubt have to use in your life, whether it's for professional or personal purposes. It's most likely that you've already tried or seen some form of networking, without realizing it.
Where to Start: Knowing Why
When starting to network professionally, or even for personal reasons, with the idea of having a serious commitment to it, it is important to start with the question of knowing what you exactly want out of in your efforts toward networking. Why? Well as humans, it is quite easy to lose your sense of purpose at times, which can leave you in confusion and likely reduce your potential. Defining a clear purpose will help minimize the chances of you lost and stranded amid your networking journey. And if you're forgetful like me, perhaps writing or recording your purpose somewhere or records may help as well. Take note that it's also normal for your objective to change and develop as time goes on from whatever opportunities and people you come across - but all in all, it is an absolute necessity to make it clear to yourself about what you hope to accomplish through the means of networking.
Developing a Plan for Yourself
Okay, so now you have your purpose all set out - what next? It is time to set your goals, as it will help you observe and manage your progress. It can also help you learn more about yourself through these observations, perhaps discovering new strengths and skills that still need to be developed. If you have a goal that is to be achieved in a certain time frame, try planning in weeks, such as, " [Week 1: I hope to achieve.....][Week 2: I hope to achieve...]" and so on. Don't forget that good planning requires some solid research as well, most likely done beforehand.
Becoming An Effective Networker
Creating your Professional Profile
As a networker, you want to build a reputation for yourself. Creating a social media profile is a great first step, especially as it is an inexpensive way to expand your network. You do not need to create an account with every social media platform you come across - while a couple of profiles on different social platforms could increase your networking outreach, it is essential to know how much you can handle. Will having more profiles and less activity gain more attraction, or will one or two focused platforms be more effective? As Tina Bettison states in the book, Social Networking for Rookies, try choosing one or two websites and focus on creating meaningful connections there. It is vital to be active and consistent in your attempts to reach an aim. This means that you make persistent efforts in collaboration, communication and connection with your audience. Consistent updates will help your audience feel in touch with you more actively, which may increase customer attraction and satisfaction. An easy way to gain consistency in networking is to start a blog - it will help your audience get to know about you and your purpose more. Your activeness will show your intended audience that you are confident and definite in your objective, which may be a persuading factor in whether or not you should be supported.
Choosing the Right Tools - Building Connections
Before you choose a social media platform to work with, ask yourself whether this platform is familiar to your audience, which can range from a small group of friends to a worldwide audience. Is there a platform that may showcase your efforts more effectively and strongly? Expanding your knowledge on social media platforms and researching beforehand is a good idea, as it can help you explore the numerous options available to you and pick which one might work best for your particular purpose. It is also essential for you to become familiar with the social media platforms you choose to use. Look for its tutorial videos - learn the small tricks and features, as every little detail counts towards your outlook, effort and success.
Offline networking is a good idea as well to include in your strategy. After all, we live in a world where face-to-face connections and communications are quite significant - it is a good idea to have a combination of online and offline interactions with your audience. Perhaps hosting in-person events and promoting yourself casually in gatherings may help you broaden your audience and connections.
**Do note that the process of building connections usually does not develop overnight - don't worry yourself if you see slow progress or no progress at all at first - it takes time to get the hang of everything.
Safety
Please do not forget to be safe and cautious while exploring your journey with social networking. It may be a good idea to run your ideas by another person you trust, as there are certain consequences to deal with when online networking is misused, or used for inappropriate purposes.
If you are unsure about how your profile looks from the perspective of an audience, simply try googling your name or your brand name and see what comes up. In seeing all the information related to your brand or you, ask yourself, " Does it create the image that I am aiming for (to attract my audience)? " and work from there!
Well, I hope these tips helped! If you've got any questions, do not hesitate to comment - I will try to reply ASAP. For more information, try checking out the resources listed in the "Works Cited" section below. Happy networking!
Cheers,
Lumindri
Works Cited
Bettison, Tina. Social Networking for Rookies. Marshall Cavendish Business, 2009.
Dignall, Clare. Successful Networking in 7 Simple Steps. Harpercollins, 2014.
Jue, Arthur L., et al. Social Media at Work : How Networking Tools Propel Organizational Performance. Jossey-Bass, 2010.
Magid, Lawrence J., and Anne Collier. MySpace Unraveled : A Parent's Guide to Teen Social Networking from the Directors of BlogSafety.com. Peachpit Press, 2007.