The ability to properly position one’s
self is vital to the attainment of our career goals and objective. The height a
person can attain in life does not only involve what you know but more
importantly who you know. Your ability to network and stay connected to your
network has been proven to be a vital tool to the fulfilment of a persons
career objective alongside the numerous benefit that come alongside networking.
In this article, I shall be discussing
the seven steps to successful networking.
1. INTERDEPENDENCE. You need to realise
that there is need to be connected to one another. Man is a dependent being the
earlier you realise this the more important the networking process will be to
you.
2. PERSEVERANCE. Good things take time
to come to fruition. Therefore, it is important to start building the network
before you need them.
3. RECIPROCITY. Networking is not a
one-sided affair. You should always think about what you can bring the table
that the other party needs. No matter how small just make sure you are not the
only person benefitting from the relationship, but the other party has the
opportunity to do the same.
4. SIMILARITY. It is important to
befriend not only those with which you have the same similarities but also
those with which on the surface you seem not to share anything in common. Taking
the time to step out of your comfort zone may greatly help your networking.
5. PROXIMITY. It is important to stay in
proximity to your contacts either via any of the communication channels
available to us in the modern era. Getting actively involved with you network
is a good way to maintain nearness.
6. CROSS-FERTILIZATION. Successful
leaders are able to influence contacts from one network to another. Think about
the people in your contact list. Who needs attention? Who is owed favours or
needs your help? Always think of your network as a lifetime journey, rather
than a onetime effort.
7. SOCIABILITY. In order to network
successfully it is important to find venues and situations in which you
actually enjoy networking. Meeting new people can be fun, as long as you find
out what works best for you and don’t approach it as a chore.
Take the time to lead a well rounded
life, start making the most of your contacts because these relationships are a
valuable source of energy and self-confidence.
