Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Networking 2.0

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


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