Networking made easy: Why this skill is a must in your armory
Networking made easy: Why this skill is a must in your armory
My guru once told me that your 'network' is your ‘net worth'. And, while I still agree with his saying, what has changed over the years is the art of balancing amidst the various ways and means to maintain your network or worth. From social media to professional connects, both online and offline, to even conferences, a lot happens these days in the name of networking. However, for most people, this is easier said than done. Identifying meaningful contacts and then following up with them with continued engagement and interaction doesn’t come natu-rally to many people. I have seen many individuals who come dressed to the nines at net-working events but have little clue how to go about it.
So, what do you do? Networking doesn’t need serious planning or strategizing. It better be organic for a lasting effect. If you consider networking to be critical for career growth, then initial inhibition will gradually give way to some good conversations. These conversations will eventually find some common ground of interests, background or connections to make it comfortable and then slowly take wings. The basic idea is to get the conversations started, and then building upon it to make it mutually beneficial.
Why you must learn networking
Now coming to the question, why you must learn the art and science of networking. Net-working has manifold benefits. For me, in an unstable and uncertain business world, it pro-vides fallback and gives you an invaluable tool to reach for better in your career.
• Access to the informal job market
There is a formal job market open to all, and then there is an informal job market that you can access only through networking. In my career, I have done many recruitments for posts that were never advertised on any job portals. Sometimes, even HRs did not know about such openings.
• Knowledge
Besides new job opportunities, networking opens you to a wealth of knowledge and experi-ence. Your network works as a strong support team that you could turn to for guidance or assistance.
• Connections
Every person that you add to your network opens you to a hundred more people. Thus, your professional network keeps on growing and so do the opportunities and your wisdom.
With respect to career development, a strong network provides you with a support system of people who can expand your professional options, enhance your productivity and raise your overall quality of life. For example, a well-networked entrepreneur can find a suitable venture capitalist; a professional can find a trusted mentor, a student can make the right choice to get the right employer; a senior executive can find an effective organizational coach and so on.
And while you know, why you must invest time in networking, don’t forget its golden rule as elaborated by Harvey Mackay: ‘Don't Keep Score,’ neither of the people in your network nor of the help that you’ve offered to others.
How to network
I remember coming across a 2017 LinkedIn global survey that said that nearly 80 per cent of professionals consider networking to be critical to career success. But, what’s important is that you approach networking as an ongoing process and not something you do just when you are looking for a job.
Networking is a two-way street. It is vital that you know what you can offer to others in your network. Knowledge, skills, connections, ideas, industry intelligence, travel, hobbies and many more tools can be added in your tool kit which can attract other people to your net-work. However, it does not mean that you have to learn these skills first and then network. The first step automatically leads to the latter.
You could start in many ways. Here, my personal recommendation is to join schedules like marathons, yoga, gym, or any other sports clubs like soccer or golf if your interest matches these. You could also attend networking dinners of alumni, form a group of former col-leagues, or join forums like Toastmaster, entrepreneurs’ associations etc. Such groups not only provide a fertile ground for meeting and exchanging ideas but could also be the begin-ning of some great partnerships. However, forming groups on social media or otherwise isn’t just enough, you have to put in efforts to be an active part of the group so that you’re not forgotten and be patient in the beginning before quitting.
Author: Utkarsh Rai
Utkarsh Rai is the former head for Infinera India and China, a leading global provider of dis-ruptive optical networking systems. He was a founding head of Infinera India and led the team that delivered significant technology innovation, resulting in a successful IPO on NASDAQ and establishing them as a global player with a multi-billion $ valuation over fifteen years.
He is a proud recipient of the Udyog Rattan award, as well as a committed fitness freak and angel investor. He is a published author of multiple books on career management. He is con-stantly learning and travels the globe to learn more about cultures and world history. He has touched many lives and hopes that he has been an inspiration for many. He is a successful global business executive known for his skills in strategic planning and execution excellence. All in all, he is a leadership expert, a published author, a motivational speaker and a certified life coach.
Networking made easy: Why this skill is a must in your armory
Networking made easy: Why this skill is a must in your armory
My guru once told me that your 'network' is your ‘net worth'. And, while I still agree with his saying, what has changed over the years is the art of balancing amidst the various ways and means to maintain your network or worth. From social media to professional connects, both online and offline, to even conferences, a lot happens these days in the name of networking. However, for most people, this is easier said than done. Identifying meaningful contacts and then following up with them with continued engagement and interaction doesn’t come natu-rally to many people. I have seen many individuals who come dressed to the nines at net-working events but have little clue how to go about it.
So, what do you do? Networking doesn’t need serious planning or strategizing. It better be organic for a lasting effect. If you consider networking to be critical for career growth, then initial inhibition will gradually give way to some good conversations. These conversations will eventually find some common ground of interests, background or connections to make it comfortable and then slowly take wings. The basic idea is to get the conversations started, and then building upon it to make it mutually beneficial.
Why you must learn networking
Now coming to the question, why you must learn the art and science of networking. Net-working has manifold benefits. For me, in an unstable and uncertain business world, it pro-vides fallback and gives you an invaluable tool to reach for better in your career.
• Access to the informal job market
There is a formal job market open to all, and then there is an informal job market that you can access only through networking. In my career, I have done many recruitments for posts that were never advertised on any job portals. Sometimes, even HRs did not know about such openings.
• Knowledge
Besides new job opportunities, networking opens you to a wealth of knowledge and experi-ence. Your network works as a strong support team that you could turn to for guidance or assistance.
• Connections
Every person that you add to your network opens you to a hundred more people. Thus, your professional network keeps on growing and so do the opportunities and your wisdom.
With respect to career development, a strong network provides you with a support system of people who can expand your professional options, enhance your productivity and raise your overall quality of life. For example, a well-networked entrepreneur can find a suitable venture capitalist; a professional can find a trusted mentor, a student can make the right choice to get the right employer; a senior executive can find an effective organizational coach and so on.
And while you know, why you must invest time in networking, don’t forget its golden rule as elaborated by Harvey Mackay: ‘Don't Keep Score,’ neither of the people in your network nor of the help that you’ve offered to others.
How to network
I remember coming across a 2017 LinkedIn global survey that said that nearly 80 per cent of professionals consider networking to be critical to career success. But, what’s important is that you approach networking as an ongoing process and not something you do just when you are looking for a job.
Networking is a two-way street. It is vital that you know what you can offer to others in your network. Knowledge, skills, connections, ideas, industry intelligence, travel, hobbies and many more tools can be added in your tool kit which can attract other people to your net-work. However, it does not mean that you have to learn these skills first and then network. The first step automatically leads to the latter.
You could start in many ways. Here, my personal recommendation is to join schedules like marathons, yoga, gym, or any other sports clubs like soccer or golf if your interest matches these. You could also attend networking dinners of alumni, form a group of former col-leagues, or join forums like Toastmaster, entrepreneurs’ associations etc. Such groups not only provide a fertile ground for meeting and exchanging ideas but could also be the begin-ning of some great partnerships. However, forming groups on social media or otherwise isn’t just enough, you have to put in efforts to be an active part of the group so that you’re not forgotten and be patient in the beginning before quitting.
Author: Utkarsh Rai
Utkarsh Rai is the former head for Infinera India and China, a leading global provider of dis-ruptive optical networking systems. He was a founding head of Infinera India and led the team that delivered significant technology innovation, resulting in a successful IPO on NASDAQ and establishing them as a global player with a multi-billion $ valuation over fifteen years.
He is a proud recipient of the Udyog Rattan award, as well as a committed fitness freak and angel investor. He is a published author of multiple books on career management. He is con-stantly learning and travels the globe to learn more about cultures and world history. He has touched many lives and hopes that he has been an inspiration for many. He is a successful global business executive known for his skills in strategic planning and execution excellence. All in all, he is a leadership expert, a published author, a motivational speaker and a certified life coach.
Disclaimer: [ftiCommon.careerInnerarticleDisclaimer]