Importance of Networking
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
The following is an article I have received from one of my colleagues from the company I worked at, at the time of posting this article. She is a very good, warm and loving human being, always sending us something at the beginning of the day to start our day off. Hope that you will enjoy this post.
Networking Etiquette
Robert Hosking
If the most successful admin professionals you know are always talking about the importance of networking, that may been why they’re successful. Effective networking is one of – if not the best – way to advance a career.
But many people misunderstand the true meaning of networking thinking it’s something people do only when they’re looking for a job. It’s true, networking can be a productive way to find work. But it’s much more than that. It’s a process of making and nurturing professional connections on an on-going basis. It involves exchanging information and observations about industry trends, best practices and career strategies and, yes, job openings in a way that enhances the careers of all the people involved.
Consider these rules of networking etiquette:
Network all the time, not just when you need something. Developing and cultivating a group of contacts is a gradual process. Once you establish professional relationships, you need to invest time in nurturing them.
Make sure your requests are focused and reasonable. When you ask people in your network for help, be clear about what you need but be sure your requests are reasonable.
Be gracious, not demanding. Whatever you do, make sure the requests you have of your network don’t sound like demands. Also don’t assume that everyone you meet can and will help you after just a few conversations. Many people prefer to get to know someone before recommending them for a job or providing advice or referrals.
Use your contacts wisely. Just because you talked briefly at a conference with the manager of administrative services for your dream company doesn’t mean you should use her name in a cover letter when you apply for a job there. She might feel like you are taking advantage of her, and you’ll damage any chance of developing a meaningful relationship with her down the line.
Be professional and prepared. When someone in your network refers you to an acquaintance of theirs, perhaps for an informational meeting, conduct yourself in a professional manner and prepare like you would for a job interview.
Pay it forward. In your networking efforts, the more you’re willing to give, the more you’re likely to receive when you need help. Look for ways to help people in your network even when they don’t specifically request it.
Follow up. If someone gives you a lead, be sure to pursue it, and let that person know how it turned out.
Say thank you. Always let your network of contacts know that you value their help. Call, or send a card or an email, to thank someone when they’ve assisted you, and extend a standing offer to return the favour.
The key to networking success is to participate in a way that benefits you and all your contacts. When you help others as much as they help you, everyone reaps career rewards
Networking for Business Gain
The best way to increase your net worth is to increase your network.” Mark Victor Hansen
Marketing yourself through networking is essential for on-going career and professional success. But are you intimidated by meeting all those strangers? Do you wonder what on earth to say to them? Are you often left standing in a corner by yourself? Do you worry so much about networking that you don’t enjoy the event? Equip yourself with the skills to maximise the value of professional networking meetings.
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