The Open Secret: Why Everyone Needs Networking in Their Career Arsenal.

Early in my career, whenever I heard the word "networking," the only thing that came to mind was a room full of professionals who didn't know each other, all wearing name tags. This scenario made me nervous. I'd worry, "Am I interesting enough?" or "How do I even start a conversation?" So, my initial plan was to focus on learning new skills and hope someone would notice me. What I didn't anticipate was that my first job came from a recommendation from a friend who saw my potential.

I'm sharing this story because of a recent experience at an event I attended. This event focused on networking and learning the hidden gems of LinkedIn for our careers. The speaker was the renowned Gurpreet Kaur Mann , a Top 15 LinkedIn Expert. During the event, someone mentioned feeling uncomfortable trying to network on LinkedIn because it felt fake. Gurpreet Mann responded that success came from being yourself, and that's what most people lack on LinkedIn, especially job seekers. The main idea of LinkedIn, like any other social platform, is for people to connect, share thoughts and experiences, and simply build relationships.

Now, my previous fear of networking has completely changed. I'm proud to say that it has helped me grow as a person and a professional. Over the past couple of months, I've had the opportunity to participate in several workshops organized by Wendy Greenwood , a networking expert and great mentor. These workshops provided valuable tips and opportunities to connect with professionals in the marketing field. Most of the special guests mentioned that their career journeys weren't linear, something that resonated with me and gave me the confidence to keep going on my path. All their journeys were paved with discovery, fueled by curiosity, and guided by the power of networking.

Building My Network, Building My Future.

Looking back at the workshops, I've learned valuable lessons that I'd like to share with you. If any of them resonate with you, let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear your story.

Let's start with the workshop with Cathy McKnight, PMP . She mentioned that sometimes, embracing our "dislikes" can lead us to our passions. In my case, disliking mundane tasks sparked a love for process improvement – a skill that continues to be valuable. This idea inspired me to explore the ever-evolving marketing landscape and new roles within the industry.

Another pivotal moment came during a workshop with Paul Michel , Director of Performance Marketing at Harry Rosen. Here, I learned the importance of data-driven marketing. Paul emphasized the power of performance marketing, a strategy focused on measurable results. This resonated deeply because, as marketers, we need to demonstrate the impact of our efforts.

This appreciation for data analysis deepened during a session with Blair Roebuck , Vice President of Data and Analytics at Valtech. Blair emphasized data as the "new currency" for marketers. She stressed the importance of storytelling to translate complex data into actionable insights that everyone in an organization can understand. From now on, I'll be focusing on becoming a more effective communicator, as it's key to driving results for any organization.

These workshops, along with other activities, not only provided valuable knowledge but also opened doors to networking opportunities. I connected with professionals like Blair and Paul, who not only inspired me but also offered valuable guidance. Additionally, these workshops fostered a sense of community with my fellow students, many of whom have become valuable connections in my professional journey.

Keeping the Connections Alive.

As I approach the end of my program and embark on a new job hunt in a different country for a marketing position, I'm actively using my interpersonal skills to network not just at events but in every situation. I've learned that networking isn't just about connecting with people to find a new job; it's about building long-term relationships that can benefit both parties.

Before becoming so active with networking, meeting new people wasn't a priority. I thought it would make me less productive. However, this new perspective has led me to stay in touch with previous colleagues, make new connections through LinkedIn or events, and even consider my classmates friends. This month, I'm volunteering at two events relevant to marketing: a Hackathon at George Brown College and the college's Open House. I look forward to these events because they'll allow me to network and enjoy myself at the same time. All these activities and connections are invaluable resources as I navigate the job market.

The Journey Continues!

Inspired by Cathy McKnight's "Yes" philosophy, I'm actively trying new things and embracing the advice of others. I haven't landed a new job yet, but I know that if I stay consistent, I'll reach my goal. This is a journey I'll look back on fondly, thankful for the people I met, and hopefully stay connected with. That's what networking is all about!