Networking written report
Networking refers to the process by which professionals exchange ideas and information in an informal setting. It is beneficial to people with similar interests since it allows them to make new friends, gather information about the prevailing trends in their fields, and learn about novel opportunities. While most networking groups comprise members of the same profession, other groups may have people with different interests but connected by an idea such as religion, schooling, and any other social activity. Besides sharing information in informal settings, some business activities such as conferences provide opportunities for people to make networks.
Networking opportunities available for a business professional
A career in business can be very rewarding if one has the right networks. However, most business professionals find it uncomfortable to form networks. They cannot understand where one gets time to form networks. Nevertheless, those who are extroverts will jump at every networking opportunity and take advantage of it. In the modern business environment, networking is an issue borne out of necessity. It helps in creating a better understanding of one’s job, increases innovation, and nurtures relationships that have a role of increasing job satisfaction for business professionals. Therefore, everyone requires a proper networking strategy.
Several networking opportunities are available for business professionals. As a busy business professional, I am well aware that I may lack time to join several networking groups. However, there are many opportunities that I will be able to utilize. Some of them will be available to me as a student, while others will present once I join the business world. The first opportunity will be casual contact networks. These groups mainly comprise of people from different but closely related professionals. In these groups, in most cases, their meetings occur monthly, allowing the members an informal setting in which to interact. Importantly, guest speakers with a vast knowledge of the affairs of the group often present in these meetings.
A good example would be the local chambers of commerce that have become popular with business professionals. In these meetings, one gets to meet people who become business referrals for those who are aggressive enough to get valuable contacts. Besides, being in the leadership of these groups would provide an opportunity for more members and gain from their vast experience.
Another opportunity presents itself in the form of strong contact networks. The strong contact referral groups help members exchange business information and referrals. As a student, these opportunities may not be available at the moment. They usually comprise of people in the same profession. Besides these, there are community service clubs. Their aim is mainly to serve the community in a particular way, as opposed to making direct business referrals. However, they would be beneficial to me as a student since they would allow me to invest in social capital that may prove very useful in the future. Other networking opportunities exist in the form of professional associations whose main aim is to exchange information about a particular profession. The benefit of these professional associations is that they often contain rich business acumen. Finally, some social media networks are available to both students and those working in the business. Social media followers can form potential customers and lead to success in the fields of online marketing. Therefore, the number of networking opportunities available in my profession is limitless.
Proof of activity in a professional group
As a student with an interest in pursuing a business career, I have laid the groundwork for networking. I have been a member of the local chamber of commerce involving bankers. However, since I am not yet a member of the profession, I have only succeeded in becoming an associate member. In the last meeting of the chamber of commerce, I managed to learn about the important role that the body plays concerning the regulation of the banking sector. The local chamber of commerce helps in influencing the relevant legislation by providing a guiding policy framework. I realized that the chamber of commerce has a lot of information stored in its library. Most of it is available in information leaflets and critical reviews. Besides, there were policies and position statements.
Networking in a chamber of commerce events is an art that takes practice. I had been well informed about the need to conduct proper research since I was going to meet a variety of people. I realized that it is not every person I meet there who plays a significant role. I got the opportunity to learn how to identify the key decision-makers. By speaking to a number of these people, it was clear that the key decision-makers often like to stick with each other. I appreciated the importance of making valuable networks. In the end, I was very thankful to my professor, who happened to be a member of the board at the chamber of commerce, for allowing me to attend the event.
Online activity
I have always prided myself on being an active user of social media. However, I did not fully understand the potential for networking that it presents until I experienced it first-hand. The main social network that has allowed me to create networks is Facebook. As a small business operator, Facebook has helped to conduct market research, build relationships, and improve customer service. Besides, it has allowed my customers to post reviews, which I often act on to improve service delivery. In addition to networking, I can post my products for customers to view as long as I have enough followers. To complement Facebook, I have used Instagram to share images of my products with my followers. I often stream live videos to demonstrate a novel product to many people at once. The online platform has become an important avenue for introverts to form networks without having to meet people in person.
The main role of networking is for the professional to exchange information and ideas. As a student, I have frequently used Quora whenever I wanted to find the most current information about a particular subject. Importantly, Quora allows one to get diverse opinions about a subject because it is a discussion forum. The discussion provides a perfect forum to conduct market research. Below is an example of some of the information that I could easily find on Quora.
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Quora provides an array of diverse opinions concerning a subject matter. Therefore one can conduct market research about their product from the comfort of their offices. The online experience allows one to express their true opinions without fear of victimization since one can make use of pseudo names to hide their true identities. Therefore, the online platform remains one of the most important ways of networking with people in situations where it is not possible to hold face to face meetings. For example, one can network with people who are overseas through an internet connection. It thus helps to widen the scope of small businesses.
Communication with career services
Career development plays an important role in connecting students, alumni, and employers in networking events. At our college of business, the University has set up a robust career service meant to help students succeed in their careers. The director of career services brings in a wealth of experience in the field of career development. He has worked in several corporate engagements aimed at connecting students with their alumni in the business world. The career service aims to help students in the pursuit of their career goals through real-life learning.
The career service provides a handshake account for each student. A handshake is a tool in which employers advertise positions for jobs and internships, which they intend to offer students from our college of business. The handshake also allows students to book for the services of the career service. It allows students to access opportunities that would be beyond reach if left to the forces of demand and supply. The career service also provides students with an opportunity to talk to business executives who have expressed interest in hiring interns from the college. Therefore, they can help one to get a job by giving them the chance to showcase their skills and competence. The figure below provides proof of my communication with the University’s career service.
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Reflection: Value of networking
Networking is a critical ingredient of career growth and development. As a student, it has allowed me to develop contacts that are essential for a long-lasting relationship. One of the benefits that I have derived is the strengthening of my business connections. By engaging with my contacts in the many networking meetings, we have developed reciprocal ways of assisting each other in achieving our business objectives. My networks have also served as sources of fresh ideas. The insights offered have allowed me to increase my innovativeness in the face of challenges. It is through the experiences of other people that I have learned to avoid some of the mistakes they have made in the past.
Through the use of my handshake account in the University’s career services, I have become visible to several business executives. My chances of getting an internship position at a reputable banking firm are higher than they were before I started networking. Through networking, I have managed to learn what the best practice in my career is. Through my contacts, I can access valuable information at ease.
In conclusion, networking allows the exchange of information and ideas in various ways. While business professionals benefit most from networking opportunities, students can also tap into the potential benefits. As a student, one should attend professional group conferences and participate in online networking activities. Although there is a limit to what a student can access in terms of networking services, this should not serve as a hindrance to their engagement. Leaning the art of networking is as important, making the right decision when choosing a career.