Build and nurture your professional network

The importance of networking

In today’s working climate, with our focus being so much on the online realm, the importance of good networking should not be underestimated. To build and nurture your professional network you have to give it daily attention. Just like plants need water to grow, your network needs attention and patience. A great professional network won’t appear for you over night, it takes hard work, research, and lots of dedication.

If you’ve got it…flaunt it

Social media can help you to set yourself up in the world of business, it is the best platform to showcase your talent, but a big part of building and nurturing your professional network is also reaching out. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other business professionals. After all, it is not about whom you know, but who knows you. The best way to succeed at this is to offer up a favour. Trade some knowledge you already have for some advice, but do not go asking for a job or putting pressure on people. Research about the person you wish to reach out to by looking on their social media platforms, and see if you can find similar interests; basically common ground.

Make contacts and reach those heights…

Start by asking friends, family and former bosses if they would be willing to offer up advice, and these people will become your networks floor. Making contacts is how you will build it up and eventually obtain a top-notch professional network. To do this you have to not only be proactive, but also make sure that your social media accounts and CVs are doing you justice. These days, big job opportunities such as managerial positions are not directly advertised. Candidates are in fact chosen through referrals from people who they know and trust. So, make contacts, make more connections, and keep climbing that professional ladder.

Because who knows, maybe one day you’ll find you’ve built an empire.

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