Professionalism: The Importance of Networking

To network is to meet and cultivate relationships with individuals who could help you gain experience and recognition in your field. These individuals that you connect with could start and/or ultimately further your career.
I'm sure we all know networking is important, right?! I so often hear the cliché "it's not WHAT you know but WHO you know" but I recently read in an article "it's NOT about who you know, but who KNOWS YOU" (Importance of Networking). So let's network!

"Networking provides the most productive, most proficient and most enduring tactic to build relationships. To succeed you must continually connect with new people, cultivate emerging relationships and leverage [to use as an advantage] your network" (Importance of Networking). No has ever reached success by themselves! There is someone who wants to help you build your platform. Connect with them!

The same article lists many benefits of networking:

1. Learn dynamics within your industry
2. Establish your business contacts
3. Get “plugged in” to your community
4. Seek new career opportunities
5. Facilitate win-win relationships
6. Create your referral networks
7. Accelerate your professional development
8. Develop knowledge resources

Create business cards and start networking! You can network anywhere! I was once told to always keep a paper and electronic copy of my resume at all times, so I will tell you the same thing. You may not always have a paper copy but, being a tech-savvy generation, keep it on your phone, iPad, or whatever you carry around with you. Networking is vital to success because people are more likely to take interest in you when someone else is talking about you.
Happy networking!

Good luck and be EXCELLENT!

Until next time!