What Networking Really Means

Everyone knows about networking—but not everyone does it the right way.

You hear the word often: “networking” is a term that’s thrown around frequently and, unfortunately, many times not always well-thought-out when used.

And yes, you may know the importance of growing your networks and why you need to have effective relationship-building skills; but do you REALLY KNOW what networking is?

Networking Is Being Connected

Social networking, business networking, computer networking… there’s one key component that is common across them all: interconnectedness.

Being connected creates a link between two points. But how do you actually bridge this connection, especially in your professional life?

You create it with those whom you share common interests, ideas, values, and resources. Once you identify what bonds you to certain others, your shared passions will guide the growth of your relationships. It’s not necessarily about titles, status, or even influence; it’s about discovering a mutual connection and shaping it into something valuable.

“Networks enable communication, collaboration, and coordination that in turn enable innovation.” 

(From the keynote speech: “The United Nations: A Network of Networks” by Reid Hoffman)

Networking Is About Using Your Value

Once you discover your worth and understand how your intrinsic value influences people, you can be extremely beneficial to others. What you offer and can bring to the table makes you an asset! Determining your value is advantageous to producing positive experiences in networking. Knowing how worthy your knowledge and strengths are will help you foster meaningful connections that create an impact on your networks.

Networking Is a Mindset

How you approach networking influences your behavior. If you go into it believing it’s not beneficial and just a waste of time, then what do you think will happen? Having the right mindset as you initiate and develop relationships with people you share mutual interests will create immense opportunities. And not only for you, but for others as well! 

Networking Is a Proactive Approach

It’s a method of connecting people and producing relationships while creating a community with the aim of all parties mutually benefiting. At its core, it’s about giving, helping, AND sharing ideas and information. Building on these associations increases your networks; and when you expand your spheres of influence, you expand your opportunities!

Networking Is NOT Just an Event

Attending networking events is a great way to develop relationships and increase your contacts. Of course, these are limited due to our current times, but there are still many gatherings and ways to connect online. And if you don’t learn how to maximize the opportunities that come out of these events, then you are missing out! But it’s not just something that you attend; networking is a learned durability skill that is practiced and honed throughout your daily life.

Most don’t know what true networking is. It’s so much more than creating a safety net for an inevitable period of career transition; it’s a means to access an enormous pool of resources with unlimited benefits. It’s having contact with those who always take your phone call and people who find your opinions valuable. And increasing these types of resources opens many doors for you!

Networking Is Powerful

It is very powerful and highly valuable, and if executed properly all parties benefit. Networking is about transcending connections into relationships. It also creates your spheres of influence – those people who are most prevailing and of greatest value within your networks.

When you determine what networking is you will find that no matter how you look at it, it’s crucial to building resourceful relationships and valuable connections. But, you need to fully understand what networking means TO YOU to gain the most benefits from it!

Become a NetWorkWise Certified Professional (NWW-CP)

Do you want to build substantial business contacts or improve your relationships with colleagues and clients and other like-minded individuals? You need to enroll in our certification program!

Learning what networking truly is and just how beneficial it can be in all facets of your life is something we cover extensively. This course teaches you practical networking strategies and techniques you can immediately implement to leverage relationships you already have and make new connections with influential individuals who will impact your career and success.

Once complete, you receive credentials validating you as a networking expert who understands how to build relationships that matter. Sign up today and become a NetWorkWise Certified Professional (NWW-CP)! You will soon see the rewards of creating long-lasting and meaningful connections and the improvements it will bring to both your personal and professional life.