What networking is and what it is not

Reading Heather Townsend’s book Business Networking, I came to page 7 (Part 1, Chapter 1), where she mentioned four reasons why people network and wanted to put forward if I do any of them and why.

To improve their profile, i.e. ‘being found’

To help me with my job search, I am always looking to improve my LinkedIn profile and be ‘found’.

I view job descriptions and other LinkedIn user’s profiles to see if either have similar to what I have put on my LinkedIn profile and update mine with anything that I have missed.

To generate opportunities, such as a new job or new clients

Being an active job seeker, I use LinkedIn for networking to apply for suitable vacancies and communicating with others.

Communication is extremely important to me. If we, as human beings, do not communicate, then we would not get anywhere.

To extend and strengthen the community around them

I extend and strengthen the community around me by communicating with my connections on mutual subjects (like warehouse work and LinkedIn), asking questions, agreeing / disagreeing, giving my thoughts, explaining the above, etc..

To find answers and ‘tools’

With me doing job search, I like doing research on both companies and individuals so I can complete applications better, explaining why I would be a great fit with each individual company.

Also, as I do blogging, I like doing research on LinkedIn, so I can go into depth for each post it publish.

The more in depth and structured post is, the more views it has, and in turn, more people will comment, etc.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for customers / clients, doing research or a job seeker, all of the above are important to do networking,

What do you do networking for? Reach out and let me know!