Networking never stops!

Always be networking….you might have heard the saying but never really listened….that is until it was too late?!

I think the cliche of thrusting business cards (maybe virtually nowadays!) in to people’s hands and ‘selling’ to them remains for many when the term networking is mentioned. Many shiver with fear and put it in the ‘maybe next month’ list of things to do.

Reminded by a recent post I saw that this is far more common than we think. It’s certainly the reminder I give to most people I speak with who are starting to think on how they plan for their career ahead. Start now…don’t wait until you need it!

What I'm talking about goes far beyond collecting business cards or haphazardly expanding your online network. It's about nurturing authentic relationships that can create relationships, give you a source of valuable information, develop an informal mentoring relationship and one day potentially even blossom into new job or business opportunity…the holy grail!

Networking is a reciprocal exchange – it's about contributing your insights while also listening and learning from new perspectives. It's crucial to remember that being on someone’s radar can be as valuable as the contacts you have. I often find it funny when I read people not wanting to share about themselves on LinkedIn…would they ever dream of going to an in person networking event and giving cold shoulder to anyone that asks them about themselves….maybe they would!!!

I truly believe in the power of authentic connections and the shared moments that can be created with some nurturing of the relationship…no different to any other aspect of our lives really!

Many I coach or speak with who are unsure where to turn for guidance will shy away from simply reaching out to those they know. So don’t wait until you need that support, start now, put the ‘credit’ in the bank by sharing, supporting, guiding others and build those relationships, knowing that the journey can be as rewarding as the ‘end goal’.

Have you stumbled upon a mentor unexpectedly or landed a job through casual conversation and building your network?

#Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment