Networking is a tool that reminds you that you don’t have to do it alone and that teamwork makes the dream work.
If you have been alive for any period of time, you have heard the expression “it’s not what you know but who you know.” The idea is that you don’t have to know everything, you have simply have to know people and the world will be your oyster. As an entrepreneur, it is important to develop a good professional network. At the same time, it is important to develop a good personal network. Of course, from time to time, those networks cross paths and the personal helps the professional or the professional helps the personal.
I am spearheading an after-school program for children in our area. The children come to our church, get a drink and a snack, and then get help with their homework. The program is open to all school students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. We are in the first week of operating the program and have two teachers and one retired teacher who signed on as volunteers this week.
Networking – the idea that it is not what you know but who you know that moves the world.
Recently, I attended a community celebration. Entrepreneurs from all over the small village where I live gathered to show off their businesses. Among those in attendance was a representative from the local Rotary Club. Did you know that among other things, the Rotary Club gives out dictionaries to school children? I did not know this.
I spoke with the Rotary Club member about my after-school program. The Rotary Club member invited me to speak with the club at their upcoming lunch. I gave a short talk to the club members and asked them to provide dictionaries to the students in the program. I am so happy to announce that on the spot the members voted to give us the dictionaries and offered to get more for us if the need arises! One of the members had a friend who is a retired school teacher. She asked if I needed extra volunteers. Of course, we could use more volunteers. I do not have a large network of school teachers and those qualified to help school students. This Rotary Club member gave my phone number to her retired teacher friend who called me and then showed up to volunteer with all the appropriate clearances in hand.
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The retired school teacher has a network of educators and was able to give assistance to one of my volunteers who was looking for a teaching position. The woman looking for the teaching position left the after-school program happy and excited about potential employment opportunities. This is a real-world example that shows what you know doesn’t matter. Who you know matters. In this case, I knew a woman who knew a woman who knew some women who can help another woman.
Start networking and use that network to make the world a better place for yourself and those around you.
Education is important, period. You need to get all you can and can all you get. I went to school and successfully obtained a Juris Doctorate degree. My eldest child is a senior at one of the best colleges in the country. I push my children to read, learn, and do well in school. I share this information to show that I value education. At the same time, no one person can know everything. This means it is important to build a network of people who know things you do not and have relationships you do not.
Networking is important because it creates connections and builds bridges. Networking is and should be seen as a two-way street. Never think that networking is all about what other people can do for you. Think about what you can do for others in your networks. Networks are the strongest and most powerful when everyone works for the benefit of everyone in the network. In other words, even if you are a selfish person who doesn’t care at all about other people, your life will be better when you help those in your network. When you help others, they will have a desire to help you.
Networking can be thrilling for you and those around you. So the question for you this thrilling day is what are you doing to make y our network better?
I agree that is can really help you out for sure. That’s true. I do networking regular to help with my business.
Yes Networking is important especially fo the bloggers as well as for business, network makes connection.
Networking is so important, from everyday life to business. It really makes sense to establish connections.
It really is advantageous for you if you have a business or other causes, thanks for outlining.
I agree with you. For me networking is good for us, it’s a nice form of socialization.
I’m so glad you shared this. Networking is so important. Being a blogger, I need networking.
Thanks for sharing about networking”s advantages.I have heard it but haven’t done it for a while.
It’s very true, one thing I learnt in business is that connections are important. It really is who you know.
I completely agreeing that networking is good for you, and we need it now more than ever after the pandemic. Networking is great for your self-esteem, boosting your confidence, and making new friends.
This is why it is so important to build those relationships.
It’s hard to stand out in the sea of millions so networking is so important!
I really enjoyed reading this post, thanks for including these tips.
I am so glad to be out and about again for in-person networking!
Networking is important. I am a huge introvert so this can be tricky for me to do in person, but I do send lots of emails out.
I love this! We are all CONNECTED! Thanks!
I network with other bloggers. It’s great to be part of a supportive community.
I love the idea of networking for building better communities. Great article, good tips. Thanks for sharing.
I love your thoughts on networking a lot. Thanks for the inspiration on what we can do!
Really powerful post. I realized the power of a network in my first year after college. Networking and the connections, relationships that we develop are simply priceless.
Networking really is an amazing thing if done properly and with intentions to help others as well. Thanks for sharing!
The best people network to help others… who in turn, at some point will inevitably help them! It’s one of the key things I learned over the years in PR work.
I have never thought about networking before but reading this article helps me open my eyes about it. Thank you!
Networking is always a good idea! Thanks for sharing your ideas.
That quote is so empowering and motivating,love it. Thanks for sharing this great post .
Networking is so beneficial. A friend of mine is a part of a networking group for local photographers and it’s really helped her with business.
definitely an area I need to grow in; so easy to get comfortable in my own little world…
I haven’t thought of networking outside of business terms but I can see where it benefits more than business. I need to expand on my network.
In every business that I’ve worked for and built, networking is by far one of the most important things! It’s amazing how many people you can meet!
I love your input on networking. You have sparked some ideas and inspiration to what we can do for our community. Thanks!
I know that sitting at home on my computer is not the best way t network. You have shown some really great ideas and this could pay off for a blogger like me.
So many people talk about networking, but they only think of it for business. I love that you highlighted that you can also use it for social good.
I love the idea of networking for social good in addition to the way we use it to grow our business. The power of a community is always impressive.
Networking is the foundation for business, especially these days. We live in an interconnected world more than ever, and networking can help take you to lots of places.