The Science and Art of Networking

We have always stressed that networking is important to generate interviews. However, effective networking goes far beyond telling people that you’re out of work. There’s a fine art and meticulous science to networking.

Networking is never always about shaking hands and exchanging business cards. Instead, it is about finding a new job or an opportunity. A solid professional networking circle will prove to be beneficial in quite a lot of ways regardless of whether you want to launch a business or showcase a project. 

Nevertheless, if you really are planning to grow your network, you need to focus on building valuable relationships while you meet professionals everywhere.

The Science of Networks

Let’s talk about the science of networks. A network primarily consists of web relationships formed by individuals and organizations. From completing routine transactions to learning, socializing, planning, innovating, and developing their career, this web supports the primary function that people fulfill at work. 

Most of these relationships are developed informally and may or may not include people related to an individual through the formal organization chart or process. Networks have the power to influence virtually everything an organization does:

Change: Effective networks can quickly adapt to changes.  

Decision-Making: Quality networks result in quality decisions.

Leadership: Effective leaders cultivate their networks in certain ways.

Culture: An organization’s culture is embedded in its networks. Networks can effectively resist or enable cultural changes. 

Mergers & Acquisitions: If networks aren’t integrated after a merger or acquisition, the organizations won’t achieve desired synergies or cost savings.

Innovation: Bringing people with the right skill sets together from across networks improves innovation.

About the Art of Networks

As much as its science, networking is also an art. There are specific strategies and methods you should follow to conquer the art of networking

Tips & Tricks For Networking In Person

• Have your business cards ready.

• Listen to others and see what help you can offer them.

• Share promotions from other companies and ask them to share yours.

• Meet after the office to better know co-workers and other professionals.

Tips & Tricks For Networking Online

Here are quick some tips to use your online presence and build more effective business relationships:

• Personalize Everything - Make sure your profile is complete and personalized. Keeping your online profiles up-to-date, and changing your profile picture periodically will help drive more traffic to your account.

Stay Professional - When interacting online, it is quite easy for the line to get blurred between professional and personal networking. Always interact with the same courtesy as in face-to-face meetings. 

Build Relationships - Networking is always about relationships, and it is no different when interacting online. Never ask for a favor before you completely get to know someone. Look to build quality relationships and keep up with your contacts, rather than making a lot of contacts you don’t really know.

Move Offline - App networking doesn’t replace the traditional ways of doing things, it simply adds to them. You should also continue to attend networking events, have business cards handy, and always follow up with online interactions face-to-face, or over the phone.

Conclusion

The biggest thing about networking is to not feel overwhelmed and not delay starting. The importance of professional networking cannot be denied so make use of these tips when you go out to meet professionals. Make it a regular habit to partake in these challenges and begin growing your social capital. Remember, networking is both an art and a science; if done correctly and smartly, it surely will help you create new opportunities for a better future.