However profound it may sound, the fact of the matter is that in the professional world, every encounter with another is in fact a networking opportunity. Let me explain.
Imagine you walk into your first day at your first job. Everybody there only has to learn one new name, yours. You, however have to learn several new names in the first five minutes. If you treat each time you meet somebody new as an opportunity for them to help you, you'll automatically feel better about the pressure of learning their name, and you'll actually listen to what they have to say, what they do in the company, and how they can help you. It will intensify your interconnection to them so you so you can remember. If you make the interaction positive, that person will then spread the word about this new person to others in the company (networking) and you'll meet more people faster.
If however, you come into your first job scared and intimidated (which is totally natural, trust me) and are unsure of yourself, this will be displayed to each you encounter. They will not spread positive words about the new person and you'll have to spend six months fixing it. Make sense?
Now, networking isn't purely an internal component of business. As a matter of fact, most would say that networking is an external business tool. True, but don't displace the internal networking. The more people in more positions you know, the better your adjustment and career may be.
I've talked to thousands of young professionals across the country about why networking is so important. Here's what they had to say:
"Build a network of individuals. Go to social events and work related after-hours. Get to know competitors as well as other business people. The more people you know, the more opportunities you will have."
- 27 Male Assistant Bank Vice-President
"Make connections with anyone you can while networking, even if you think someone is on the bottom of the totem pole, chances are they may actually have the foot in the door you may need -- often receptionists, secretaries and administrative assistants are your ket to meeting with that executive you've spend months trying to get on your calendar."
-28 Female Communications Director
"Network and make as many connections with as many 'positive' people in your industry as possible."
-28 Female Sales and Training Expert
"Do not burn bridges. You never know when you might have to work with that person again."
-34 Female Director of Development
Networking is an essential part of business that should never go overlooked. Remember the quote about the secretary or the people on the bottom? If you are in that position, you shouldn't feel as if there isn't an necessary need to network, go out and network for your boss or your company. Imagine the praise you'd get if you brought your boss some new business prospects or great project ideas after networking! That's one of the easiest ways to get noticed and get ahead! Isn't that what we're all here for anyway?
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