It’s a blog post, the topic is
“what is networking and how can it propel your career? How can you get started in here in Richmond, VA? ”
Topic: Creating a blog (The role of networking)
Format: APA
THE ROLE OF NETWORKING
Networking is one of the fastest growing mode of career and business advancement in the 21st century.
What is networking and how can it propel your career?
Figure 1: How to Network
Networking comes from the word network which refers to things or people linked together either in a system or a group as shown in figure 1. Networking, on the other hand, refers to a process that facilitates the exchange of concept and ideologies between groups or individuals who have a common goal, and in turn developing contacts socially and professionally. Networking is a mutually beneficial process which can only be effective through active participation and frequent communication among the associates. Classifications of networking are business or social.
Business networking
Business networking is a fundamental tool in acquiring information, expanding your scope in the field you are operating in, and acquiring contacts that will help you grow in your career. Networking for business involves being more focused and strategic. The range of people you meet has a significant impact on your progress since not everybody you meet is going to help you move forward business or career-wise. The sooner you realize this, the better, and keep off those who will derail your progress.
Business networking is facilitated through seminars, gatherings, and online avenues. With an estimate of about 40% of the world population having access to internet connectivity, online networking has significantly boosted channels of exchanging information and creating business ties. Websites such as LinkedIn avails an online meeting platform for people within the same profession to interact, publicize blogs, and design profiles with the aim of attracting those with similar interests.
Social networking
It is the use of social media to interact with friends, customers, and family members. Social networking could be for business or social purpose with the aid of sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and much more. One may use these platforms to introduce a product into the market or get reviews on what is existing. High posts by companies or individuals enable them to be ranked highly in the search engines thus increasing customers’ trust towards a product.
How can you get started in here in Richmond, VA?
If you live in Richmond, Virginia, there are many ways through which you can start networking. Since Richmond is the capital city of Virginia, it has a large population which can be leveraged according to the United States Census Bureau (2017). The city attracts people from various professions, races and capabilities. In order to create professional connections in Richmond, you can leverage friendly connections with classmates, workmates and colleagues in various fields. After making the initial connection, you should be a nice friend and a positive contributor to the relationship. Forge for more relationships with the connections of your acquaintances. Friends can connect you to their friends and the second level friends to the third level friends. The network will grow and become bigger and bigger with time.
Another way of creating career connections in Richmond is by using social media. Internet connectivity in Richmond is much advanced with most households having access. Such kind of connectivity enhances the path of social networking enabling one to interact with people in the same line of a career as theirs. The best social media platform for professional networking is LinkedIn.
In order to exploit its capabilities, you need to create a LinkedIn account and complete all sections of your profile. LinkedIn allows you to upload your photo and update profile sections such as your current job, professional experience, interests, educational background, projects completed, city, phone number, email address, website, skills and other custom fields. One you complete your profile, you can start connecting with friends who already know you. Once you connect with friends, the platform recommends other people that you may know. It also allows friends and even strangers and job seekers to connect with you if they are interested.
Figure 2: Your network will make you smile
Conclusion
Networking entails connecting with other people for a specific reason. It enables people to meet new people and expand their professional connections. It can be done in the real life or over the internet. If you want to create a network in Richmond, you can start by connecting with friends, students and business people that you physically know. In order to succeed in career networking, it is important to start with like-minded people. You can also leverage social media networks like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and many others to reach a wider network since the whole city has internet connection. If you follow the networking tips provided in this blog, you shall definitely grow your network. You shall be smiling when you learn what your connections will help you achieve.
Did you know that some people don’t know how to network properly? This article on Forbes explains how to network the right way.
Do you have other ways through which you have increased your network connections? Please leave a comment about your experience in networking.
References
Bureau, U. S. (2016). Richmond City, Virginia. Retrieved from United States Census Bureau: http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/richmondcityvirginia/BZA010215
Figure 1 source: https://insights.dice.com/2015/09/02/networking-quality-not-quantity/
Figure 2, Image source: https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAOtAAAAJDEzOTllM2JmLTU2ZWQtNGFlNi05ZDM0LTZjNGE3ZTI1MzUwYw.png
