Abstract
Participating in network is important if you want to progress
further in your career. The information gathered through networking could
assist you and your company in achieving the goals and objectives. Apart from
that, it allows you to build new relationships with different people, either
within or outside of your industry.
This reflection will explain what is networking, and why it is
important. It will also highlight my experience in networking with people in
various countries.
1
Introduction
Information is limitless. Every day, there
are countless numbers of new information across all industries, and they are
scattered either through word of mouth or offline & online media such as
newspaper, business magazine, social networks, etc.
One person could not possibly précis all
the information or obtains them by only a few sources. They will need an
extended network to be updated of any new information or news with regards to their
industry. This is why networking is crucial in keeping yourself updated and
remaining relevant.
2
Networking
According to Eric P. Kramer, networking is
the art of building relationships – relationships with people with whom we
exchange support, information, connections, ideas, and a sense of belonging
(Kramer, 2012 p. 2). It is also used as a way to achieve something; such as
meeting somebody, learning something new, or finding a job, but at its core,
networking is about establishing a social connection and using it to further
your or the other person’s goals (Kramer, 2012 p.2).
There are several avenues where people can
network. They can network by attending business seminar, tradeshows, or even by
joining groups in social network such as LinkedIn.
3
Importance of Networking
Some people may avoid networking, either
because they are shy or they find there’s no use in networking. Networking is
one of the significant ways for a person to progress to the next level. It
allows open access to a variety of sources of information, offer a broader
range of learning opportunities, and represent mechanisms for creating &
accessing tacit knowledge (Schooling for Tomorrow Networks of Innovation, 2003
p. 35).
When you network, you will get to know
information that you have no knowledge on, and you will get the opportunities
to learn and upgrade yourself. You could even get embargoed information, which
could allow you to prepare before anyone else does.
4
My Experience In Networking
My job requires me to networking with a
long list of people and organization from different countries. A few times a
year, I will have to fly overseas to attend tradeshows. During those times, I
will be required to network with clients, suppliers, and colleagues for the
destination’s country.
By building relationships with them, I am
able to gain knowledge on the current business trends, which I used to improve
the products & services provided and plan my marketing strategy. Also,
these networks could also help you to achieve your objectives. For example, if
you need a supplier who can offer cheap but good quality products or services,
they could either provide you or redirect you to their contacts.
5
Conclusion
Networking is a good business tool for you
not to be updated and remain relevant, but also to get to know new people. The
people that you get to know through networking could help you progress further
in your career.
To me, networking is an art. You need to
know how to communicate effectively with your networks. Or else, you could
either lose them, or worse, your name could be reflected badly within your
industry. So be careful with your communication, but at the same time, have fun
as well.
Reference
Kramer, Eric P. 2012, 101 Successful Networking Strategies, 1st edn, Course
Technology Cengage Learning, Boston
Schooling
for Tomorrow Networks of Innovation Towards New Models for Managing School and
Systems. (2003). Paris: OECD Publications
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