Many professionals, young or jaded, usually ask me about the mechanics and the magic of networking. The why behind the networking is sets the pace of the how. Networking is not a silver bullet for a job when one is about to be fired. It is an ongoing conversation about mutual interests and a learning journey. Meet people with an open mind and gauge shared commonalities. There are two kinds of networks:

– Networks of Interest

– Networks of Aspiration

Networks of Interest are communities of practice, for example history writing or sustainability where notes can be shared. Aspiration networks only work where there is an inherent brand in place and people connect as a potential lead.

Building a value proposition is fundamental to effective networking and giving more and freely is key real connections. Effective online networks are effective openings into offline connect, trust is only built offline.

Interesting people build networks more easily than people who are just focused on cracking the next job. Building credibility through a blog or YouTube channel which are touch points for a dialogue. One does not need a blue-chip qualification any more as distribution is freer through the digital realm.

#networkingtips

#startupadvice