Why networking?
Supporting others, reaching out, and cultivating new relationships can go a long way.
There are more than 27,000 people registered in the “Winterdienstler” group on Facebook. Some offer equipment they no longer need. Others post winter photos or small movies. There are also some amusing things to smile about. Creative is the name of the game on Instagram.
More and more companies are maintaining their own accounts there. With great attention to detail, the communications departments send out visual messages. If you want to make a career for yourself, maintain your profile on Xing or LinkedIn or both social networks.
A network can support managers professionally and personally in their advancement. Those who need expert support can simply ask “Who has experience with …?”. Or there is a position open in the neighboring city that could be the long-awaited, next career step for me. Two good reasons that speak for a well-maintained network. But what should be considered when setting up?
Pay attention to quality
A network is an investment and thus at least costs time. Some content is perceived and some is not. Some contacts respond and others do not. This is difficult to assess in advance. Networking is therefore always a bit like fishing in the mud. For this reason, it is advisable to pay more attention to quality than quantity when it comes to professional networking.
Support others and be active
Networks are based on the principle of helping. That is why it is important to support others professionally and personally, even when nothing can be expected from the opposite direction. Just because. This can be done on demand or on their own initiative. Helping others creates trust and a good basis for follow-up contacts. Feedback is an easy and quick way to provide support. The reward for artists on stage is applause; the reward for knowledge creators in the forums is recognition. A short confirming or even critical comment shows that readers are thinking about the article. A “Like” is even faster. This click costs nothing and gives a little pleasure.
Show interest
At the conference or get-together, you get to know new people in casual small talk. In the social networks there is the invitation function. If you want to get in touch with a person, you should proceed as in the personal conversation and find some nice words of appreciation.
Maintain contacts
A network is not a card index box with cards that you never pick up again. The biggest challenge is probably maintaining contact. It can be done at face-to-face meetings, by phone, as a personal message, or globally to all contacts. It’s about having a presence and being noticed.
The right network for me
A group of 27,000 people is no longer a club where everyone knows each other. It unites the professional interest, but the anonymity becomes too great. Size alone is not a sign of quality. Many people also avoid established social networks because of fundamental concerns. They are not comfortable with the idea of what can happen to their personal information. We encounter this skepticism in many conversations. But not networking can’t be the solution either, because the professional and personal advantages speak for themselves. Out of this need, we decided to create our own social network. The thematic networks® are still in their infancy, have only 250 members and – unfortunately – so far only limited professional potential. But this is exactly where the opportunity lies. Those who support others, reach out and cultivate new relationships at this time can accomplish much and perhaps build long-lasting friendships.
