Networking is not collecting contacts! Networking is about planting relations. – MiSha
A while ago, I read a statement that during layoffs, the person to let go is not the one with low performance, but the one without friends. If that be true, then so powerful is networking that it’s a necessity than an option. In today’s world, the concept of Synergy is crucial not just for the Individual, but for the business as well.
As human beings, we have the vital need to converse, share our thoughts and exchange ideas. It’s wise to have a circle of varied categories – Peers, Friends, Mentors, Ex-colleagues etc. Normally in most organisations, after a level of hierarchy in top management is reached, recruitment happens through word-of-mouth – i.e. the feedback given by an insider with influence has better weightage than recruiting an outside candidate.
Summing up few important aspects of Networking:
- Keeps you in the game: While the business world is flooded with intense competition, it’s hard to stand out. A well connected network will help to get easy identification. A person with an established support group has more chances of landing an opportunity due to the word of mouth influence and access to job openings.
- Helps you stay connected : As we move on from one company to another, there will be people who are good resources – whether it is in terms of knowledge or as a friend. It’s unwise to lose contact with such folks. Networking helps to stay connected and exchange powerful ideas that have a huge impact on work.
- What goes around, comes around : Reinstating my faith in Karma, I would assert that when you uplift someone within your circle through positive feedback and reference, the same shall happen to you eventually. Instead of being lost in an ocean of talent, staying connected will make you conspicuous for a promotion.
- Sharing best practices : Having a pool of multifaceted personalities and exchanging best practices mutually will help to invent better platform for your organisation.
- Boosts your spirits : More so than anything else, having a positive set of individuals around you will give the strength and energy to carry on despite ups and downs. A candid conversation with the right person will relax your mind and give better outcomes at work.
The knack is to stay connected without overstepping boundaries. A strong network will help you build better bonds and when things don’t seem rosy, you’ll have someone to confide in. With the abundance of social media options, Networking has become easier than ever.
You may also want to read other articles written by the author: ‘Stop limiting yourself‘, ‘Doing what you love – hobbies and passion to opportunity‘, ‘ Maximise your productivity to unleash your potential‘, ‘Be your own boss‘, ‘Broaden your intellectual horizon‘, ‘Career metamorphosis – Expert to beginner’, “Importance of networking for success in your career“, ‘Busy Day vs Productive Day‘, ‘Money matters for womens financial independence‘.
About the author:
Nithya Jagadish – I am a commerce graduate with an overall experience of 10 years in the Corporate Industry and handled diversified assignments at HSBC and Hewlett Packard. After gaining considerable knowledge and success during my tenure, I decided to focus my attention on other areas of interest. Now, a doting mother of a one year old, I spend my day reading, apprising on my topics of interest and baby-sitting.
An avid reader and poetry enthusiast, my love for writing started while at school and my dreams have borne fruits after motherhood. I strongly believe in living life to the fullest and making the most of each beautiful day.
(The author is a guest blogger at Her Second Innings. The opinions expressed are those of the author.)
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