Importance of networking

Hello!

In a business world and life in general, one of key elements is networking to success. The more people you know, you are more successful.
What is networking?

Networking is about establishing and nurturing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet, whether you’re waiting to order your morning coffee, participating in an intramural sports league, or attending a work conference.

Source

Also LinkedIn reported

Why Spend Time on Career Networking

Networking can help you get hired and help you grow your career. LinkedIn reports:

• 70 percent of people in 2016 were hired at a company where they had a connection.
• 80 percent of professionals consider professional networking to be important to career success.
• 35 percent of surveyed professional say that a casual conversation on LinkedIn Messaging has led to a new opportunity.
• 61 percent of professionals agree that regular online interaction with their professional network can lead to the way into possible job opportunities.

Almost all experts agree that the most successful person has more connections. Network can help you develop your skill set, meet mentors, partners, clients.. You can climb corporate ladder or start your own business and, after all, find a life long friends.

I found this:

Networking is encouraged by Business schools

Business schools have their own alumni networks which ensure that peers do not lose contact with one another. Business schools encourage networking throughout the entire academic period, as well as in the years after graduation. The premise is that networking can lead to some very serious business interactions, which the school can claim (and rightfully so) to have been the facilitator of. In addition to that, schools often organise events, which are aimed at maintaining these networks. Guest lectures and appearances, references, participation in charity events and donation campaigns are just a few of the things that an MBA alumnus can expect to take part in as a result of embracing school-facilitated networking.

And that’s not even including the fact that 10 years from your graduation day, you might be personally acquainted with opinion leaders of industries such as finance, tech and consumer electronics.

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So how to start networking?

1. Find your style: for example, I am introverted and prefer one-on-one network and I like to network outside of box : I network in a places and events that has meaning to me.
2. Make a plan: for example, at this event, I’ll meet 3 new people and follow up. (Add them on LinkedIn, call them…)
3.  You can take a quiz to find your network style. 

Will you start to network? What is your style?

L.