Many of you will have heard the famous saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” 

But as far as I know, both are equally important. 

At least when it comes to landing a job and succeeding in your career, it’s not only what you know, but also who you know.

That said, today we are going to place focus on who you know, how you get to know them and why it matters to know more people. In other words, we are going to talk about networking !

Many of you will have heard about networking, or have been advised through career advice blogs and articles to network. 

You may be wondering: Why are networks so important and how can you expand your professional network?

Networking is a powerful career-growth tool that can open up many doors and bring about opportunities that would otherwise have flown past your radar. 

Networking can expose you to new jobs, improve your chances of getting those jobs and introduce you to new career opportunities you might be interested in or might have never even thought about pursuing.

Now, building a professional network sounds incredibly challenging and time-consuming and you might not know how or where to start. However, I am here to tell you that it is not as hard as you might think!

In the era of the internet and social networking, it has become significantly easier to build a professional network and get your name out there. 

A wide professional network will enable you to reach more job opportunities if you are a job seeker, get more clients and increasing your sales if you have a business, or increase your ability to share and receive valuable information and ideas.

1. BUILD A REPUTATION.

Every fruitful reputation is based on trust. 

Certain connections are absolutely impossible to make until a very high level of trust and reputation is established. 

In a professional setting, people prefer to build business relationships with people they see as being valuable. 

By building a reputation as someone who is talented, helpful, and valuable, people will be more motivated to meet you and stay in touch with you.

2. THINK LONG-TERM.

Every relationship becomes more valuable with time. 

Hence, it is important not to be too desperate and quick to seek results when building a relationship. 

Connections is said to open doors, but relationships close deals.

 Networking is not just about exchanging business cards and connecting on LinkedIn.

 Networking is most valuable when long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships are formed. Relationships take time to build.

Be patient, Stay in touch with people you like

3. FOLLOW UP

There are two main reasons for the importance of following up: 

1) Networking only produces good results when it is followed up. 

2) Following up with contacts builds trust, reputation, and relationships.

Build a reputation as someone who delivers on their promises and is persistent.

Follow up with people who promised to do something for you or vice-versa.

Follow up on emails you send that get ignored. Do what you promised to do for others.

4. BE HELPFUL

Always priorities helping and giving to others ahead of taking and receiving for yourself.

When you help people in your network get stronger, you get stronger.

Always be willing to share your expertise and ideas.it Promote your networks and accomplishments. 

Be a connector,  Business transactions are always mutually beneficial. 

One person is buying a product or service because it will benefit them in some way, and one person is selling a product or service because they can profit.

5. ASK

It is always said that the one who ask never loses his ways just as you will never know until you ask, learn to make relevant enquiry by asking the right question Ask people you want to meet up with you and also ask for advice.

6. LISTEN

Listening is one of the most valuable, yet commonly overlooked, skills to have in networking and in business.

 People love to talk about themselves and appreciate when you take a genuine interest in what they have to stay.

Listening will help you to get to learn about peoples’ challenges and get to know them better, which can ultimately lead to more productive professional relationships. 

Ask open-ended questions, be genuinely interested, and express interest and curiosity.

CONCLUSION

If you have more ideas please share them with us in the comments below. Remember that knowledge is a treasure to be shared with all. If you know someone you feel might benefit from this guide, don’t be shy and give that share button some love. As always, your feedback, comments and questions are welcome. Good luck