Never Underestimate The Influence Of Networking As Part Of Your Work

Only when I have time outside my work, I will network, is a wrong perception. From my personal experience that time really never comes, until we plan to take action. I agree, the day to day grind and putting method to chaos takes most of our time.

How much time do we have in hand depends on the kind of job we are in and how busy or productive we are. As it is said being busy is not an external condition. It is the state of mind. 

Why networking is important

• Insights to trends and insider information, first hand (no, I'm not referring to gossips here)
• Adds to your learnings, skills and creative intellect
• A resource library to learnings from other personal experiences
• Builds self-esteem and self-confidence
• Enhances your credibility
• Help bridges gap in case any
• You find more like-minded people (wow!)
• Passion can be pursued at work through networking (read, learning & experiencing new skills)
• Creates diverse experience which is a career strength
• Makes you noticeable

Ways to network

People who are introverts may find it difficult initially. But there are certainly ways around it by just being you. Like your approach can be one on one interaction, using more digital platforms for interactions, etc.

Remember :

You do not have to fake being an extrovert to network well.

You are not doing this for increasing your likeability.

Humans are social creatures. We thrive by helping each other grow.

Now, as it is said Rome was not built in a day. And nothing really happens until you define a goal and chart out a plan of action. I feel, small little things really make all the difference, and taking one step at a time helps you moving forward.

• Talk, communicate, listen.
• Use of body language - head tilt. The head tilt is the universal body language sign for “I’m listening
• Trying to remember everybody's name you have met during an event.
• Changing partners to have lunch with, maybe once a week. (no, I am not saying leave your friends at work)
• Going beyond a work give and take relationship
• Network online
• The more people you help, the more help you’ll have, and the more help you’ll have helping others.
• Perfect handshake
• Follow-up, to build a relationship

Every opportunity we have where we're meeting with people is a networking opportunity.

Networking is an enrichment program and not an entitlement program.