It's all about who know you, especially
when it comes to Networking 2.0!
At our next meeting, we are set to
discuss networking and its importance in today's world of business. In the
United States, networking is particularly considered a key asset for success
and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of all jobs are found
through networking.
Whilst delving further into this topic,
I came across a well known statement;
"It's not what you know, but who
you know".
I am sure that you have undoubtedly
heard this phrase before and considered your own experiences regarding it,
whether they are negative or positive. However, it is apparent that there is a
revised version of the common phrase;
"It's not who you know, but it's
who knows you".
This made me reconsider my perspective
about networking. The traditional version of the statement provides all the
credit for your achievements to your connections. In contrast, the renewed
version brings you back to the centre of the stage, strongly affirming that the
key for success stands in your capability to let the right people know about
your strongest assets, ideas and skills.
As we are living in an era of social
media, where everyone can easily access your information online, it becomes
crucial to understand how your virtual presence can impact your personal brand.
If you don't want to be unprepared for networking, then you should consider
your brand image on various social media outlets that you choose to use.
Through blogs, personal profiles, posts and tweets, you are defining yourself
to the world. So make sure that they are relevant, consistent and always up to
date.
The greatest opportunities come from
meeting new people and your current network. In order to sustain the brilliant
impression that you have portrayed of yourself, your social media outlets need
to be a continuation of your personality. Poor social media management, wastes
the representation that you have aimed to leave the people within your new,
developed or developing networks. However, developing your connections could be
much easier if your network is able to access your relevant information online.
If you want to understand more about
Networking 2.0, take a few moments to to read this interesting article that
will guide you on how to prepare for networking in the social media era:
Speak to you all again soon,
Co-Chair
Centre for Entrepreneurship
