3 Reasons why networking is important & Tips for 2023

What is networking?

The Wikipedia definition of networking is "Networking is the sharing of information or services between people, businesses, or groups. It is also a way for individuals to grow their relationships for their job or business. As a result, connections or a network can be built and useful for individuals in their professional or personal lives."?

How has networking impacted me??

Prior LinkedIn and building my portfolio, I always thought networking was scary and if I needed to achieve something, for example a goal, I would do it alone. In reality, this is possible but is harder. However over time I realised that "if you want to go fast go alone and if you want to go far go together", which makes more sense now where I am in my career. Thanks to networking, building connections and having strong communities I am part of I have been able to advance in many aspects of my self and career endlessly.?

I remember when I first transitioned into the technology industry, I did not even think I could achieve half of the goals I set, they seemed quite unrealistic to the average person. And, with the power of networking, I managed to turn my goals into reality.

Networking helped me with the following:

• Growing my personal brand and portfolio
• Gaining new skills such as programming, public speaking and more!
• Meeting mentors and being able to mentor
• Delivering tech talks and lectures
• Landing my first software engineering role
• Launching my tech startup?

All within the space of 18 months. And, to top it off 1 in 4?of us establish a business relationship via LinkedIn and over 85% of jobs are through networking. That is just some of the statistics which prove the power of having a conversation with someone of a profession or in a place you aspire to be at one day.

3 reasons Why is networking important??

1. Builds your connections and relationships

I would go as far as saying this is the most important part of networking, learning to converse with so many different types of people and building life-long connections. You never know when you will need your connections, whether it’s now or in the future it can be life changing, especially since 7 out of 10 jobs are not advertised.?

For example, if you are in a position of potentially losing your job, this is where your connections can help. Especially via LinkedIn, not only in helping you with a bunch of interviews and also giving you a community to lean on when you need to.?

In addition, building relationships allows you to seek and gain knowledge you didn’t even know you needed or existed. You could find out your dream goals from having just one conversation that sparks your interest, networking creates a path of opportunities as well as helps you with building your confidence.

Further to my point, building relationships through networking can introduce you to industry leaders, investors, potential partners, friendships and career choices.

Always remember your network is your net worth.??

2. Advances your personal brand?

Invest time and effort in your personal brand and then grow it through the knowledge gained from networking. Learn how to advance your communication skills, focusing on?your body language, listening and speaking skills.?

These skills will help you advance in your career and within yourself as a person, the importance of communication cannot be stressed enough, knowing how to actively listen and engage in a healthy conversation can make or break a deal.?

In addition, networking aids to your reputation and helps you stand out from the crowd for example, if you attend a technology event and you have spent the last year building your platforms and branding, and people recognise you, this is a great thing as it goes to show the power of reputation and personal branding, you can go further growing yourself by having your contact details to hand at networking events.?

I also believe in focusing on getting that increased engagement and visibility, so in the future you are noticed and people remember and think of you when thinking of career advancements such as job roles / talks / award nominations.

3. Finding your community

Being part of a community that you are passionate about is vital, especially on your low or procrastination days. Communities will give you the nudge to keep moving forward when you feel you have hit a brick wall, they will give you a sense of inspiration and direction when needed, and you can find mentors for opportunities through being part of multiple communities.?

Having that strong support network around will also come in handy when you need help solving a problem, overcoming obstacles or when you want to up skill in a specific aspect and that can happen through mentoring or being a mentee which you will find is easier to do if you are part of a community.

Top Tips in 2023:

1. Join a community you relate to, communities I am part of; Code First Girls, Coding Black Females, Black Girls In Tech, WomenTech Network, Black Valley, Mentor Meet and much more!?
2. Attend networking events; I attend local tech events through eventbrite.?
3. Read and gain knowledge on the power of speaking and listening through Ted Talks and any books on the subject.
4. Grow your LinkedIn; Post your journey, post your passions and find your network.
5. Focus on your confidence, self love and image.