Your Network Equals The Total Sum Of Your Work

In the realm of professional development, the concept of networking is often misunderstood. Many individuals believe that networking simply entails attending events, exchanging business cards, and drinking with acquaintances. However, I believe that your network is much more than that.?

In the career and business world, we often hear the phrase "It's all about who you know." But what if I told you that your network is not just a collection of names and faces at fancy conventions as you clink glasses at cocktail parties, but rather, a culmination of your entire life's work to date? Let’s break the phrase to some granularity, ALL - in its entirety, ABOUT? - the matter of it all, WHO YOU KNOW - this is very straightforward and probably the crux of the matter, “who you know”.?

Nepo babies and pedigree excluded, “who you know”, in the context of your work and career mostly comprises of the people that you practice with and are acquainted with your work - people you have collaborated with, people you have worked for, people that you have reported to, people that have reported to you, people that you have contributed to their career growth and people that you have achieved success within the business world.?

Your network is the sum of your professional experiences and the relationships you have cultivated throughout your career. It includes the skills you have developed, the projects you have led, and the connections you have made along the way. Think about it. Every program you've completed, every skill you've mastered, every job you've held, has contributed to your network in some way. Each success (and failure) has helped shape your reputation and build your credibility.??

Now that we have dispelled and whittled down to the essence of what a professional network truly is, the onus is on you to let your work build your reputation for you. Soft skills shall take you further, your wardrobe is a value add & armor, a laugh, a smile here, and a clinking of glasses there make for great social intelligence. But the net of your work is a living testament of the worth you have delivered so far and if you do your work outstandingly well and build connections with the people you work with, the sky is not a limit for your career.?

Make no mistake, dear reader. Within the career arcade, the net of your work is your lifeline. It is the key to unlocking doors and making connections that can lead to unimaginable success. It is the difference between being a nameless face in a sea of business cards and being a respected and admired leader in your field. So today when you get to your workplace, keep putting in the work in an excellent manner as you remain cognizant of the fact that you are adding to the sum of your work i.e. network.

Prudence Zoe Glorious PR is a leading PR firm in Tanzania. For more on our PR excellence, visit prudence.co.tz