What is Networking? By Jey Jeyakanthan

What is Networking?

Before I discuss further the importance of networking, I want to enlighten everyone present as to what exactly networking is. Networking is exchanging information, opinions, and ideas with many people who share your interests or establishing what we appreciate and value, and from there form connections. We use networking as professionals to broaden our social circles and raise awareness of new, upcoming projects, and trendsetting discoveries. What also falls under networking is ‘social networking,’ which is using social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and any other imaginable platform to connect with friends, colleagues, customers and clients, family and fans. Networking is a very versatile method for spreading the word far and making your presence in the world—it can be used for business, being social and even a mix of the two, engaging viewers in a dynamic way.

 Why is Networking important?

Networking is an important tool for business people and others alike, and I would like you to consider the benefits that might help you in your future endeavors. Firstly, it’s a way you can exchange ideas, as you collect and share information with people you are connected to. You don’t know what you know unless you share this knowledge with people, and these constant exchanges can lead to good social and business relationships and partnerships, and ultimately a firm, long-lasting trust. When we expand our networks, we get the opportunity to also learn where we lack or where we can improve, make sure we are putting our best foot forward. Secondly, we can get noticed—we can connect with people we share interests with, and from there, their connections’ connections’ connections’ and so forth have an indirect connection with us. We gain exposure from being featured in relation to other profiles, and therefore can gain newer connections and opportunities. Our skills and ethics stand out the more we are noticed, and that can lead to future partnerships and reception to our services. Third, using the attention you receive, you can find new opportunities—being new partnerships, new job opportunities, even breakthroughs can be made easily through networking with minimal effort required. 

How to be good at Networking

You now know the benefits of networking, but you might be wondering, “how can I be good at it?” Well, I am going to share some tips for good networking. Number one, get acquainted, meet new people through other people. Don’t be shy or reluctant to get acquainted with those around you and connected to people you are already connected with. Chances are you share some interests and goals with many others you’ve yet to discover, so take up the chances to broaden your social horizons. Secondly, social media is a must. It is an effective yet simple way to get to know people better even before contacting them face-to-face or through conversation. Social media also helps you, the user, to show off your interests, your accomplishments, and aspects of your life to advertise a good image and the services of your company. The engaging aspects of social media, such as comments and likes, help viewers interact with their contacts and the channels/profiles they follow to access new information. Third, you can always try presenting a success story. Weave in your successes, your aspirations, and achievements into posts you would probably make about your everyday life and reflect on the skills you enhanced and gained in the process of doing or undergoing something. Also, ensure that your presence online is up-to-date; whatever you plan to do, start, or have done or started should be included to let your connections know you are seeking new opportunities and that you value experiences. Lastly, be yourself. Never put on hats that don’t fit you right and instead embrace your uniqueness—may be what you already have is what people value or makes your purpose endearing, and hiding it away or apologizing for it isn’t a good move to make if you want to network efficiently.

 What is some Networking do’s and don’ts?

Now that you have the gist of how to practice good networking, I am going to go over some dos and don’ts. First, do always be prepared to engage in conversation; know a little bit about the person so you can make an effective exchange and ultimately make a connection. Do maintain good eye contact and good posture, greeting them with a strong handshake in your introduction. Refrain from being jumpy; when you find a group or person to converse with, give them your undivided attention out of respect for their time. When speaking, do not speak in slang, jargon, or even engage with gossip—not only does that reflect badly on your speaking skills but also shows you are an untrustworthy person. Rather, maintain a professional tone and make personal connections about hobbies, interests, goals, and whatever is deemed appropriate. In an online situation, like most networking events have come given to the pandemic, it is important to practice good internet etiquette. Don’t overstep your boundaries and remain respectable on your available platforms. What you say, do, and believe reflects your character and if overlooked can give people a wrong impression of you. These are generally do’s and don’ts, but they can be quite restricting. If you do network or are planning to, find what works best for you and what is appreciated by the people you engage with.

Should you go in with a plan when you network?

Of course, you should! Expanding your network is like a game; you have to strategize to gain people’s attention, so plans and practice always come in handy for developing new relationships or finding new opportunities. You might first consider establishing networking goals—a well-based plan can help you develop your skills, communication, reputation, and more. Having goals as to what you want to achieve from your expanding network can help you set yourself with the right types of people who can support your goals, and steer your conversations in the right directions. Even being more generous can help you gain more relations. If you treat people with respect and kindness, you can expect them to do the same for you, which builds that necessary trust. That networking plan consists of you focusing your attention on things or people that will nurture your drive and bring you up, and from there, research more to have an arsenal or inventory of conversation starters, information to talk about, and most importantly, things about you and your mission that will drive your goals across. Schedule networking events to increase the opportunities to meet new people, and start growing and deepening those relationships so that way you reach a level where you can discuss collaborative efforts and even favors that can benefit both parties mutually.

 30 Second Elevator Pitch–why is it important in today’s landscape?

An absolutely crucial part of that networking plan is the 30-second elevator pitch. This pitch is essentially a brief ‘commercial’ about you, what you are looking for, and the benefits that come from partnering or employing you and your services. It’s typically 30 seconds long which is around the time that it takes to go up from the bottom to the top of a building or the other way around, hence its unique name. The idea of this pitch is to have a go-to thing to share with someone at any time, even in the awkward and quiet atmosphere of riding the elevator. Why is it important? Because first impressions are what determine any further contact with the people you are talking to. No matter how professional or intelligent a person is, their attention span is limited to about a mere 30 seconds, so your task is to impress them in the quickest way possible so that even after they step off that elevator, they want to hear more. In today’s busy world, there are many advancements in technology and newer opportunities to socialize or develop oneself—but with that, it is harder to get a hold of people long enough to engage in a detailed conversation. It’s an important asset to have, as it helps you organize your thoughts so that way you only say what is important and true to you objectively without boring the listeners or giving off the wrong impressions. Having that prepared script handy helps the listeners get an idea as to who you are, what you can do, and what you stand for, and allows you to see who is worthy or willing to step into your circle among the hustle and bustle of the 21st century.

 How will Networking change your life and business?

Networking, I tell you, will change the game in terms of helping you start and develop your business. I can go on and on about how to network and why to network, but instead, I want to conclude by telling you how it changed my life and business career. As I mentioned in my memoir, which will be published soon in a book we’re working on, I invested ten to twenty years in developing myself and my social network to prepare for the co-founding of my company ‘Landed for Success.’ I cannot stress enough how much my connections have helped me in my endeavors. I joined the Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce in 2008 and became the board director in 2015 and from there I was able to meet mentors and influencers who had lasting impacts on my work and ethic. Being able to host the organization’s 25th Silver Jubilee awards event was the time that allowed me to meet such people, and influence others, and I continue to grow from there recognizing these roots. I kept in mind whatever I mentioned today to better my social presence, which has manifested into the success I can share with people, who might even join my social network one day as I would join theirs. Networking…with the right presence, you can make these new connections and benefit greatly from this exponential social growth. Thank you!