Why you should start networking.
Writing this newsletter on my return flight from Houston to Fort Lauderdale after a 4-day business trip in Texas. I am writing to share my recent experience with all of you regarding the importance of networking, especially one-on-one networking.
Last week, before my planned trip to Texas to meet both existing and prospective clients, I created a poll on LinkedIn to identify those in Texas who were interested in connecting. I asked people to reach out if they would like to meet me and network. I received several direct messages asking if I would be available at specific times in all three cities. Initially, I hesitated, thinking about my busy schedule with clients, and uncertain if I would have time to meet these individuals. However, I put myself in their shoes (remembering a similar situation 10 years ago), reaching out to someone I admired and not receiving a response. This perspective led me to proceed.
Upon landing at Dallas airport, I found a café and promptly organized three LinkedIn events. These events were aimed at inviting everyone in the area to meet me and others in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. While I could have improved the planning and promotion of these events by providing more notice, as an entrepreneur, I understand that spontaneity often defines many aspects of our lives. In today's age of social media, outreach is simple and requires only a few minutes to reach a broad audience.
My plan involved setting aside time each day after my client meetings to choose a nearby café and bring everyone together to network. I had little hope that anyone would show up on such short notice, yet to my surprise, people did. These young professionals from the industry were eager to expand their horizons and seek advice on how high they could soar in their careers.
The events provided valuable learning experiences for all participants, including myself. I gained insights into industry trends and the Texas construction market from these youngsters. Additionally, I discovered a lot about the local culture, cuisine, and things to do in Texas—information that I wouldn't have found through a simple Google search. I hope that I managed to enrich their lives by sharing the wealth of knowledge and experience I've acquired over time. It's worth noting that some attendees drove for hours across cities to be part of these events and meet with me.
Here is a memory from those three events, meeting these young and energetic professionals who want to achieve so much in the AEC space and elevate their careers to the next level.
By sharing this experience, I hope to underscore the significance of building personal connections and fostering meaningful relationships within our professional journeys. Networking remains a pivotal aspect of personal and career growth, and the connections we make can be immensely valuable, both in terms of knowledge exchange and cultural enrichment.
Now lets talk about why you are reading this article which is power of networking.
Networking plays a pivotal role in advancing one's professional career, offering a multitude of benefits that contribute to personal and organizational success. Here's a breakdown of the key points highlighting the importance of networking:
1. Learning New Things: Networking introduces professionals to diverse perspectives, ideas, and knowledge from individuals with varying backgrounds and experiences.
2. New Opportunities: Building a robust network expands your reach and exposes you to a wide range of career opportunities. Many job positions and business deals are secured through referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations within your network.
3.New Perspectives: Networking allows you to connect with professionals who may have different viewpoints, approaches, and problem-solving strategies. Exchanging ideas with individuals from diverse backgrounds can lead to creative solutions and innovative thinking.
4. Career Growth: A strong network provides access to mentors, advisors, and industry veterans who can offer guidance, share insights, and provide constructive feedback. Connecting with influential individuals can open doors to promotions, leadership roles, and other career advancement opportunities.
5. Latest Industry Trends: Staying current with industry trends and developments is crucial for career success. Networking helps you stay updated on the latest advancements, market shifts, and industry best practices.
6. Motivation: Networking exposes you to professionals who have achieved significant success in their fields. Their stories of triumph, perseverance, and resilience can serve as powerful sources of motivation and inspiration.
Have you seen my BeyondBIM post from last week on how we resolved BIM clashes in 2023? The post has reached 200k impressions in just three days. It seems like people enjoy a little humor with their knowledge.
So you would be asking where do I start ?
In today's age of internet and social media evolution, networking has become remarkably convenient. Platforms like LinkedIn, boasting over 930 Million professionals, allow you to interact and network without any geographical limitations. I often wish that these tools had been readily available and popular during the early days of my career; they would have greatly aided me in learning and expanding my knowledge base.
Here are a few platforms you can utilize today to kickstart your networking journey:
Apart from this, there are many offline events that happen all year round across the globe, providing a huge opportunity to network with professionals in specific industries. For example, Autodesk University is by far the largest event for BIM and AEC professionals.
Here is a list of all AEC conferences that you can attend to grow your network:
In conclusion, no matter where you are in your career – whether you are just getting started or have been in the industry for 30 years – networking is helpful for everyone. In the current day and age of technological evolution, it is very important to keep expanding your network, as in the future, there will be two kinds of people: the very successful ones who have data and those who have a network.
There is a great saying, "Your network is your true net worth."
As always, keep learning and keep thinking beyond.