By Saba Farooq
According to an African proverb: “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.
Networking is a way of life. One cannot live without networking. Every individual is involved in networking either intentionally or unintentionally. It is an ability that can be modified, improved and learned thoroughly over time. Mutually beneficial relationships cannot be cultivated at once, they take time to be nurtured. One cannot instantly widen his/her network just to get some job done or in pursuit of some monetary benefit. It is a life-time process which provides gains in the long-run. It is recommended to start building networks before entering the professional life. Students who perpetually reach out to their existing and ex-classmates, peers, fellows and acquaintances to strengthen their relationships with them and focus on building new effective networks during their university life tend to have a considerable number of contacts that can be rendered helpful by the time they begin new career advancement activities.
The more time you’ll invest in networking, the higher will be the return. It is a two-way street; it is not all about you; it is not about growing at the expense of others. It is about forging, enduring and lasting relationships that promise reciprocal benefits. Don’t be a hanger-on. Learn the art of giving and sharing because what goes around comes around. Today if you’ll build opportunities for others, tomorrow these opportunities will reciprocate your generosity by opening many doors to you. Highly recognized networking expert Keith Ferrazzi had said: “The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity”.
Networking is imperative to success. The need of the hour is to explore new avenues by meeting new people, being vocal about one’s goals, interests and career objectives. Make networking a part of your personal and professional agenda, set networking goals and strive to meet those objectives. Reinvigorate your relationships with former colleagues and ex-classmate, meet new people, offer your assistance and support wholeheartedly and follow-up by sending texts or mails.
Want to read more on the power of networking? Please read chapter #8 of The Craft of Selling “YOURSELF”.
Ms. Saba Farooq, a dreamer from Lahore, is a business graduate and is passionate colleague at Guerrilla CV . She loves to help people unconditionally and spreads positivity 24×7.
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