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Gather round ladies! Here's an amazing hack to starting and building an incredible career!

When you see emails, browse on Google, or attend conferences on career development,  somehow the concept of networking always takes center stage. I'm going to let you in on one of the ways to kick-start and push your career and that is through networking. In simple terms, networking refers to the process of creating and maintaining connections with others or building a supportive and interconnected web of relationships for several purposes. It could be for personal, social, or professional purposes. We are discussing professionally in this context.

You might ask, why should I network and how would it boost my career? A valid question. You should network when you desire to grow professionally because;

It provides Access to Job Opportunities

Networking allows you to access hidden jobs and learn about job openings before they are publicized. It also helps you land collaborative projects or partnerships, offering new avenues for professional growth and success.

It guarantees Professional Development and Skill and Capacity Growth

Networking helps you stay updated on industry trends, gain insights, and access valuable advice for career growth. Likewise, through networking, you may discover workshops, seminars, or mentors that can help you develop new skills or enhance existing ones. Networking ensures access to a wealth of information, helping you make informed decisions in your professional endeavors. 

It Attracts Referrals, Recommendations, Visibility and Recognition

Connections can refer you to job opportunities or vouch for your skills, enhancing your credibility and increasing your chances of landing desirable positions. With networking your visibility in your industry is likely to increase making it more 

likely for others to recognize your skills and achievements.

Now below are some networking strategies you can employ;

Define Your Goals

Spell out clearly what you seek to gain through networking, whether it's finding a new job, gaining industry insights, or expanding your professional knowledge.

Attend Events

Dress nicely and be sure to attend conferences, seminars, workshops, and networking events in your area of specialization. You would get the chance to meet professionals in your field and connect with them.

Online Presence

Having a professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn is also an important way to network on platforms like LinkedIn. Regularly update your profile, engage in relevant discussions, and follow professionals in your field. There are countless stories about people who secured a job or a better one through connections they made on LinkedIn.

Volunteer

I can vouch that this strategy works. As a volunteer, I've gotten the chance to meet people blazing trails in my field. Sign up to volunteer for industry-related events or organizations. It's a great way to meet people while contributing to your field. The best connections are made in the course of volunteering.

Join Professional Groups

Become a member of professional associations or online groups related to your industry. If you are into journalism, look up professional groups in journalism, join, participate actively, and share your expertise.

Effective Communication

Develop strong communication skills. Be clear, concise, and confident when communicating and discussing your professional background. Always introduce yourself properly whether it is online or in person it matters a lot.

If you are by any chance an introvert, you can choose to attend smaller events like workshops or classes, carry a wingman or woman with you( I always drag along my best friend from college), or put more effort into networking online. You can prepare and rehearse your speeches and follow up on new connections in writing. All in all, it shouldn't be something overwhelming so you can also enjoy it. If you do feel overwhelmed, you can always pause and take a break to regroup.

Have it in mind though, that while you network and gain incredible benefits from it, networking is a two-way street that entails contributing to others and building genuine, reciprocal relationships. Develop genuine relationships rather than collecting business cards and piling them up. Invest your time in building relationships. You can do this by following up after meeting someone new expressing your appreciation and desire to stay in touch or offering help or expertise to others without expecting an immediate return.