I cannot stress how just how important a role networking can play in your life. It actually amazes me how big a role it plays in almost everyone’s life, even though it might be in their hindsight.
Confused?
Let me give you an example that will make you realise one of the benefits of networking.
The hot girl your friend introduces you to the bar, product of networking, the promotion you just got selected for (even though, lets face it you might not deserved it)… Networking.
By networking, we do not mean this ^
It really doesn’t quite matter what you do for a living, even if you’re Batman, networking will always come in handy. ALWAYS!
Let me list down a couple of reasons why. I promise you that the list is short, but you’ll definitely find value in reading it.
Networking Unlocks The Big “O”
“O” for Opportunities. What did you think?
Everyone is “waiting for an opportunity” thats gonna change their life, twist it upside down, take them to Beverly Hills and then to Mars. But, what if the person sitting next to you or some else is handed this golden egg?
Its quite simple. If I have a golden egg to give away, I’d rather give it to a capable good friend rather than a far more capable person I don’t know.
And, maybe some other day under a different scenario, I become the recipient of a golden egg myself.
You Start To Receive A Lot Of Advice From Your Network
Everyone is confused at some point or the other. Be it which elective you chose or who you should vote for or if the job offer given to you is better than the previous one. At every stage in life, there comes a point where you do have to choose something over something else.
The strong ones know exactly what they want, but I am average strong ( there is a beautiful article out there saying how we are actually just average ). So I am confused by every opinion that comes my way. I can only decide when under pressure.
With so many opinions flowing, the most influential ones are from the ones your trust. Trust of these opinions comes from people who have knowledge/experience over the said matter.
Thus, if during college it’s a senior, in the business world it’s someone who’s done it before. Meet these people, shake their hands, ask them to tell you their story, and learn from their mistakes.
Networking Increases Your Brand Value
Who doesn’t like being valued? If I was someone who could speed dial Harrison Ford and George Lucas and get free tickets to a private viewing of the new Star Wars movie, wouldn’t you want to be my plus one. In fact screw that example. You want to be Ari Gold? Be Ari Gold.
The people you know in your networks sort of give out an image of yourself to others. As much as this is a positive thing, its also a negative thing.
Small example, (I think I have a thing for examples) if I was associated with Justin Bieber back when he was singing Baby and peeing into janitor buckets, you’d probably not like me vey much.
Thus wisely, you must network.
Sometimes, Magic Happens, Thanks To Networking
Diplo went went up to Bieber and asked him “Perhaps we could collaborate with you for a song” (AKA Networking) and then said “Hey Skrillex, I’ve got Justin Bieber here sending me a song, lets play with it and see where it goes.”
They went Platinum.
You cant just go up to random people and say “Hey, how are you? Good! Here is my product. If you don’t mind please send that across to Elon Musk because you know him.“
Doesn’t quite work that way. But you already knew that didn’t you?
Build a relationship, more importantly get the other person you’re trying to network with to trust you. You need that before you try to make the other points work in your favour.
If he trusts you, he’s more likely to put in a word for you to Elon Musk, yeah?
