It goes without saying that building and nurturing an active professional network is clearly key to career growth. So the value and relevance of networking is not the issue rather it is the "how" to go about building an active and relevant network that is the subject. Let's start by clearing the air about networking, it is often misconstrued for many other things including selling, receiving favours and simply "knowing people", whilst all of these are not wrong it doesn't sum up the essence of networking.
Networking is actually about building long-term relationships and is often strengthened by your character and competence.
Your network includes everyone you know, friends, family and colleagues. Professional networking therefore simply means building professional relationships. It is about being deliberate to meet the "right" people and establish mutually-beneficial relationships with them. In essence, it is about "GIVE & TAKE" never a "TAKE ONLY".
There are a few things to bear in mind to successfully build your professional network.
1. Be deliberate; have a plan
2. Join professional bodies and actively meet people, I mean position yourself to keep meeting people.
3. Be sure to customize your network to suit your career aspirations remember it is "your" network.
4. Keep investing time and resources to build relationships and aim to turn your accidental associates into your career advocates. This is when they begin to help achieve your career aspirations.
5. Leverage on your contacts to access their own network.
Finally, remember there are no quick fixes, building an active and relevant career network takes time, so get ready for the long haul!
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