The Value of Professional Networking

Let's discuss a true catalyst for success: Networking. It's not just about swapping business cards at events; it's a potent tool that can reshape your career journey. In fact, for the first half of my career, this truth eluded me. Networking wasn't intentional; its significance and impact remained concealed. Let me shine a light on it for those paddling in the same direction. Networking acts like WD-40 for your career. It eases the screeches, from job searches to vendor sourcing, making the world flow more freely. It connects you with diverse professionals, each interaction offering fresh perspectives and learning opportunities. 🤝 Meeting New People: Networking introduces you to professionals from diverse backgrounds, sparking new ideas and altering your perspective. 🚀 Exploring Opportunities: Connections, not knocks, unveil opportunities. Networking uncovers new avenues, even in the hidden job market. 🤓 Building Relationships: Networking builds genuine connections that fuel success, from mentorship to supportive peers. 💡 Sharing Knowledge: Networking is reciprocal – learning from and sharing with others cultivates insights and collaborations. How to make the most of networking: - Be Curious: Approach networking with a genuine interest in others' journeys. - Be Present: Actively engage in conversations, showing your value. - Follow Up: Keep connections alive through LinkedIn or quick emails. - Offer Value: Give back through advice or introductions. - Attend Events: Expand your circle at meet-ups and workshops. - Online Networking: Engage in LinkedIn discussions, sharing insights. Remember, networking isn't just about taking; it's about giving too. What exciting journeys await through your next connection? #NetworkingMatters #CareerGrowth #LinkedInCommunity #ProfessionalRelationships

Top 7 reasons I believe networking is crucial if you are a builder⬇️ Honestly, all good things that have happened at Persona have been because of the network - funding, customers, and the key hires, all have come through the network. 1. Identifying opportunities - You learn so much about the market insights, what is working, what is not working, and about industry trends, just by talking to other founders and builders. My brightest ideas regarding sharpening our business model, reaching right customers, exploring new avenues, have come through my network. 2. Mentorship - Building relationships with experienced entrepreneurs can offer guidance and mentorship, helping navigate challenges, especially as a first time founder. I have received invaluable insights on hiring, raising funds, building a team, and finding customers from networking with the senior entrepreneurs. 3. Resource Access and Support - During our fund raise, I didn't have to do a single outbound, thanks to the amazing people in my network who went out of their way to make warm intros to the right investors. 4. Customers and Partners - Till date, about 90% of Persona;s customers and partners come through the network. Our first and biggest customers have come through warm intros within the network. 5. Hires - Our key hires have come through the network - via investors, from customer teams, referrals from founder friends, etc. It’s easier to trust the referrals if they come from somebody I know and respect. 6. Learning and Skill Enhancement - I learn so much from my network. It is easier to find people who have been in similar situations and always good to get a second pair of eyes whenever in doubt. I learn everyday about being a good founder and CEO by seeing and learning from other people. 7. Brand Visibility and Credibility - Networking events and connections contribute to the visibility of your brand, creating awareness in relevant circles. Positive endorsements from the network have helped enhance credibility and reputation in the industry. Overall, as a founder your network is your strength. The people in my network are mostly founders, builders, and investors who understand what it takes to build a company and will rally in support whenever you need help. They are humble and non-judgemental and I feel safe to share my most vulnerable thoughts with a few folks in my network. What does networking mean to you? Tell me in the comments🚀⬇️

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the value of networking. Why is it important and crucial throughout our careers? Networking is crucial during job searches and throughout one's career for several reasons: * Access to Hidden Opportunities: Many job openings are not publicly advertised. Networking allows you to tap into the hidden job market by connecting with professionals who may know about job openings that align with your skills and interests. * Building Relationships: Networking enables you to build relationships with professionals in your industry or field. These relationships can provide valuable insights, advice, and support throughout your career journey. * Gaining Information and Insights: Through networking, you can learn more about different companies, industries, and career paths. Talking to professionals who have experience in areas of interest can help you make informed decisions about your career. * Enhancing Visibility and Credibility: Actively networking helps you to become more visible within your industry or field. By attending events, participating in discussions, and sharing your expertise, you can establish yourself as a credible and knowledgeable professional. * Professional Development Opportunities: Networking can lead to opportunities for professional development, such as mentorship, skill-building workshops, and collaborative projects. These opportunities can help you grow and advance in your career. * Staying Informed About Industry Trends: Networking allows you to stay updated on industry trends, advancements, and changes. This knowledge is invaluable for staying competitive in your field and adapting to evolving demands. * Career Advancement and Job Security: Building a strong professional network can open doors to career advancement opportunities, such as promotions or new job offers. Additionally, having a robust network can provide a safety net in case of job loss or career transitions. Later, I will write the importance of continuing networking when you have a career.

Is your network working for you? Early in my career, no one explained to me that networking isn't the ultimate goal. THE GOAL ❓ Cultivating a high-value network that will ease your journey towards your career goals, saving you from working overtime to reach the same outcome. As we progress in our careers, we take pride in our abilities to execute tasks efficiently, forgetting that our worth extends beyond these tasks. Midcareer, we often get caught up in the "doing" and overlook the value of strategic networking. It's crucial to shift your value system, understand financials (stay tuned for posts on this), and recognize the value of having a high-value network. So, how do you build a high-value network? Be strategic. If your career goal is to join the C-suite, cultivate a network of people above you. Reach out to them, ask questions, offer help, and make it clear you're aiming for a similar position. Before cold outreach ➡ Digitally engage with their content and stay top of mind. Moreover, post content regularly that can benefit your target network. Start by sharing perspectives they might find useful, this visibility will progress into hosting live events or being a guest on podcasts, and the cycle of "assistance" will continue. All of this will lead to longer “thought leadership” pieces, that will part of your value share. Keep in mind, building a high-value network isn't a one-time effort. It's a consistent commitment and a long-term investment. It's about helping others and creating a positive cycle of assistance. As you move forward in your career, remember, the biggest impact on your career is YOU. You manage it, and one of the best ways to accelerate your career is by understanding the impact and HOW TO build a high-value network. For FULL insights - link in comments #Networking #CareerGrowth #StrategicNetworking