The True Value of Networking

Your network is your net worth – Poter gale?

?As we advance in our jobs, so many of us find this saying to be true. Networking! The majority of us have frequently heard this phrase used in relation to job searching. But what precisely is it? When I switched countries, these were the thoughts that often crossed my mind. However, Wendy Greenwood deserves praise for streamlining the procedure in the course on digital media marketing.?

The fundamentals of people-centered marketing, the influence of public sector marketing, how data analytics has revolutionized the marketing industry, and even advice on how to locate the ideal career were all topics covered in each seminar, and I learned something new in every lecture. Here are some of my top learnings from all the sessions put together.?

?The ability to recognize when it is time to transition?

Vice President of Strategy at Valtech Jennifer Stoll, who was our guest lecturer, discussed her experience and how she decides whether to change positions. She said that when she stops learning and thinks she has hit her limit, she is probably not adding enough value to the business and decides to move on. ?

This is crucial for us because most of us put off transitioning frequently and doing so always carries a certain amount of risk. But how can you ever know if you could succeed if you don't actually try??

Adapting to the evolving market?

Caroline A. Berryman from the York Region underlined the need to work harder to win customers' loyalty.? She continued by stating how important it is to engage your audience and be relevant. This really rang true for me as a marketer since I want to build a following of loyal customers rather than just one-time brand recognition. Being current and flexible in the marketplace can offer a brand a more human face.?

Understanding your consumers ?

Paul Michel, senior manager of performance marketing and media at Harry Rosen, discussed the value of understanding customers in his personal experience. He described how the first thing he did after accepting the job at Harry Rosen was to learn everything he could about customers. ?Many marketers ignore the importance of comprehending their customers, who are king. You can effectively utilize your knowledge to persuade future and current clients that doing business with you is in their best interests.?

?Let’s talk about networking! ?

The most valuable asset in your portfolio is not your financial capital but your social capital, or your capacity to create a network of genuine interpersonal and professional connections. Here are 5?fun and effective ways I used networking. If you are someone who may be nervous about networking like I once was, I hope that the?insights I have shared give you a head start in building your networking confidence and skills!?

1. Networking with guest lecturers?- Every guest speaker at the seminar had so many insightful things to say, and I learned a lot from them about anything from how they got started to how they are adapting to the changing digital market. I made sure to connect with each speaker on LinkedIn each week after attending our digital media marketing series to stay up to date on the most recent advancements and read any interesting posts or articles they were posting.?
2. Networking with colleagues?- I made certain to network with my classmates during the entire course, both inside and outside the classroom. The easiest technique to start networking with someone you haven't spoken to previously is through group initiatives. This allowed me to learn information and tips from people who are traveling the same path as I am.?
3. Networking with recruiters?- Now that I am looking for a coop, networking with recruiters is practically a daily occurrence for me. I always make efforts to tailor my cover letter and CV to the organization I am applying to. This clarifies to the hiring manager the position I am looking for as well as how I feel I stand out. It goes further than that! I connect with every recruiter on LinkedIn and leave a note; this is definitely helpful to me.?
4. ?Networking with Connections?-I made sure to consistently engage with people when they were connecting with me on LinkedIn, take part in chats on both Twitter and LinkedIn, and even join LinkedIn groups like the Influencer Marketing Association or the Marketing Communications Group. I was able to do this and acquire access to the tools and knowledge necessary for my development?
5. ?Networking with Alumni’s?- Last but not least! To find out more about similar experiences and the job hunt process, I frequently connected with alumni. I even shared my applications with them during networking to receive their feedback, and I was able to make some useful adjustments to my application as a result. I was able to learn more about the workload, student socialization, activities, and a host of other topics as a result.?

I regularly search for coop opportunities using my personal contacts, LinkedIn, and Indeed. LinkedIn has been the finest platform for me personally because it enables me to contact recruiters and request brief discussions as soon as I submit my application. Even though I'm still looking for a coop, I've noticed a significant improvement in the results of my search through my networking efforts. I've found the following hints to be helpful during this process:?

• ?Put Your Online Presence to Use - Making contacts online, especially on LinkedIn, can be a successful networking tactic. By keeping an active profile and interacting with others, you may stay informed about hiring trends and career opportunities in the industry. ?
• Make sure both parties will benefit - No matter where or how you do it, networking shouldn't be a one-way street. At some point, it ought to be beneficial to both parties.
• Consistency is key - Even in the realm of networking, consistency is crucial! We need to be willing to put ourselves out there in all scenarios and often converse with individuals on both a personal and professional level.
• Build your following - Be certain to interact with those who are following you because doing so will eventually save you time by giving you followers who already have confidence in you.?

"Networking is a lot like nutrition and fitness: we know what to do, the hard part is making it a top priority." -- Herminia Ibarra?

Let's go ahead and prioritize this!?