WHY IS NETWORKING IMPORTANT?

 

WHY IS NETWORKING IMPORTANT?

Networking, being the exchange of information and services amongst individuals, groups and institutions can take many forms such as online or events, within or outside your current institutions etc. With the transformation in the digital media, networking has been made so much easier through social networking, which “is about everyone”. (Weaver & Morrison, 2008) Nowadays everyone knows what social networking is. Almost 4.7 billion people have connected to the internet as of Jan 2021, which is almost 60% of the global population (Johnson, 2021) and the are so many web applications to communicate with each other.

The current web facility is totally different to the web facility used decades ago. (Weaver & Morrison, 2008) Some of the biggest social networks are Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Classmates, DeviantArt. (Computer Hope, 2021) Today, Facebook is the largest and most popular social network, connecting many people across the globe.


When things were normal, prior to the global pandemic of Covid 19, I used to attend many physical networking events organized by various institutes, as it enabled me to meet new people, learn new things, have a good portfolio of contacts from various backgrounds etc. Many years ago, sharing of business cards was the commonest thing at these gatherings and collecting them, was considered very important for future reference. However, with the introduction of professional networks, such as LinkedIn, collection of contacts had come to your fingertips.

I personally feel, contacts matter now more than ever, as the businesses tend to be relying more on digital platforms, due to low costs and access to a large pool of information and contacts. Many individuals have succeeded in their careers due to strong networking channels, proving the importance of the saying “No man is an Island” (Cole, 2019)

Here are some benefits which I have experienced through my networking activities and would also be of use for anyone who is interested in networking.

▪  Strengthen Business Connections

Social networks produce good opportunities for professionals to search and add contacts openly and to see their progress & successes stories. LinkedIn has paved the path for me to keep contacts with my previous managers, colleagues, consultants who are based both locally and internationally.

▪  Avenue to get fresh ideas and exchange ideas promptly

Many success stories and key speeches made available via social media, provides us access to new ideas easily and to share our views and comments, giving the possibility to exchange ideas. When I need some insights on certain subject areas I would also search on different social platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, which gives me access to a vast number of ideas within seconds. If we are looking to improve knowledge in some areas, social networking is the best way for that.    

▪  Stronger online presence will give access to job opportunities / career advancements

Most recruiters and headhunters, tend to hire using online platforms and nowadays most of the professionals also search and apply for suitable jobs via LinkedIn and ensuring that their profiles are up to date. Time to time I get contacted by recruiters, when suitable opportunities are available based on my LinkedIn profile, which gives the opportunity for me to be updated on the openings available and on offer in the market.

▪  Build Confidence

By connecting with new people and interacting with them effectively have pushed me out of my comfort zone developing my social skills and confidence levels. We must make sure our values are consistent, as it shows how strong we are, with our values and the more you network you’ll grow and understand how to make lasting relationships, even with people miles apart from you.

▪  Gain different perspectives easily

When I am looking out for opinions, by networking with others in respective fields, I can easily get insights from fresh eyes which makes it way easier, to make certain decisions. It may be as small as, purchasing an item, but it had always been helpful to get any inputs from contacts I trust, overcoming any doubts which I may have. Incase I am considering any job openings available, by searching my contacts who are working for that establishment on different social platforms, gives me the opportunity to discuss & see things in a new light.

 

The increase of networking platforms had brought many benefits to people across the globe, enabling to reach out to anyone within a very short time span. This also requires us to be socially responsible when using these platforms whilst maintaining our professionalism & values and market our personal details positively.


References

Cole, B., 2019. Forbes. [Online]
Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/biancamillercole/2019/03/20/why-networking-should-be-at-the-core-of-your-career/?sh=40278c6f1300
[Accessed 4 October 2021].

Computer Hope, 2021. Social network. [Online]
Available at: www.computerhope.com
[Accessed 3 10 2021].

Johnson, J., 2021. Statista. [Online]
Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/
[Accessed 3 October 2021].

Weaver, A. C. & Morrison, B. B., 2008. Social networking. IEEE Comput., 41(2), pp. 97-100.

 


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