It’s Not Who You Know But Who Knows You
Networking is a vital part of success, in both our personal and professional lives. We have all heard the saying that it’s not what you know but who you know that really matters. But I would argue that it’s not only about who you know but also about who knows you.
Networking is a two-way street
When we network, we often focus on meeting new people and making connections. But it’s just as important to make an impression on the people we meet and to stay in touch with them over time. If we disappear back into the woodwork, they might forget us and never think to introduce us to someone who could help us.
There are many ways to network effectively. We can attend industry events, join online groups, volunteer our time, or simply reach out to people we admire. The key is to be genuine and to focus on building relationships rather than collecting contacts.
In today’s job market, networking is essential. A recent study by LinkedIn found that 85% of all jobs are filled through networking. So, if you’re looking for a new job, it’s important to get out there and start meeting people.
Networking can also help you in your current job. By building relationships with people in your industry, you can stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. You can also learn about new job opportunities and get advice from people who have been in your shoes.
If you find networking uncomfortable, don’t worry—you’re not alone. However, there are many strategies you can use to make it easier. For example, you can prepare talking points ahead of time, or you can practice your networking skills with a friend or colleague.
Attending Networking Events
If you are looking at attending some Networking Events, here are some tips that may help you:
- Do your research. Before you attend a networking event, take some time to learn about the event and the people who will be attending. This will help you to identify potential connections and to prepare talking points.
- Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. People can tell when you’re being fake, and they’re more likely to connect with you if you’re genuine.
- Be a good listener. When you’re talking to someone, really listen to what they have to say. Ask questions and show that you’re interested in getting to know them.
- Follow up. After you meet someone, be sure to follow up with them. Send them an email or a LinkedIn request, and invite them to connect with you again in the future.
Online Networking
Online networking is a great way to connect with people from all over the world. There are many different online networking platforms available, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
To network effectively online, you need to:
- Create a strong profile. Your online profile is your first impression, so make sure it’s professional and up-to-date.
- Be active. Post updates, share articles, and join groups to show that you’re engaged and interested in connecting with others.
- Reach out to people. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you don’t know. Send them a message, or invite them to connect.
- Follow up. Just like offline networking, it’s important to follow up with people you meet online. Send them a message to say hello, or ask them a question about their work.
Building Relationships
Networking is about more than just collecting contacts. It’s about building relationships. To build strong relationships, you need to:
- Be genuine. People can tell when you’re being fake, so be yourself and let people see the real you.
- Be interested in others. Ask people questions about themselves, and really listen to what they have to say.
- Be helpful. Offer to help people with their problems, or connect them with people who can help them.
- Be consistent. Stay in touch with people over time, and make an effort to build lasting relationships.
It’s All About You
In a nutshell, networking is not simply a matter of collecting business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn. It is about building genuine relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals. By focusing on who knows you and not just who you know, you can open up a world of opportunities for yourself.
FAQs
Q: Why is networking so important?
A: Networking is important because it helps you to build relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals. By getting to know people in your industry, you can stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments, learn about new job opportunities, and get advice from people who have been in your shoes.
Q: What’s a cold connection on social media?
A: A person or account that you are not directly connected with on social media. Cold connections can be reached out to using features like LinkedIn InMail.
Q: How can I network effectively?
A: To network effectively, you need to be genuine, be interested in others, be helpful, and be consistent. It’s also important to do your research before attending networking events, and to follow up with people you meet.
Q: What are some common networking mistakes?
A: Some common networking mistakes include being too pushy, talking too much about yourself, and not following up with people you meet. It’s also important to avoid being fake or trying to be someone you’re not.
Q: How can I use social media for networking?
A: You can use social media for networking by creating a strong profile, being active, reaching out to people, and following up with people you meet. You can also use social media to join groups and participate in discussions related to your industry.
I hope this article has helped you to understand the importance of networking and how to do it effectively. By building strong relationships with people who know you, you can open up a world of opportunities for yourself.
Call to Action
If you are interested in learning more about networking, I recommend that you check out the following resources:
- The Art of Networking by Dale Carnegie
- Networking for Dummies by Gwen Moran
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
I also encourage you to get involved in your local community and to attend networking events. The more you put yourself out there, the more people you will meet and the stronger your network will become.
So, what are you waiting for? Start networking today!
