Often considered one of the core soft skills, networking is essential for every professional! Post-pandemic, we as a GenZ have suffered more with skills like negotiating, networking & speaking confidently. As predicted by Granter in 2022, we really find it hard to negotiate in the job market!
As the newest member of an innovative Australian startup that aims to revolutionize professional networking, I understand the significance of building strong connections in today’s dynamic landscape. In this blog, we will delve into why networking is essential for GenZ in 2023 and provide a comprehensive guide to help Gen Z navigate this realm effectively.
Let’s get started quickly!
What is Networking?
Networking or say professional networking is the art of forming a long-term professional connection with people who share interests in different dimensions as you! But networking is beyond casual social interactions and focuses on creating meaningful connections. It involves connecting with industry peers, mentors, top voices and potential collaborators to develop a support system that can help you thrive in your career.
All this is fine but the real question:
What are the effective ways of professional networking?
Utilize Online Platforms:
a. LinkedIn: Create a profile on LinkedIn and showcase your skills, experience, and achievements. Connect with colleagues, classmates, mentors, industry professionals & even someone whose career might look appealing to you & you would want a profession like theirs, just reach out!
b. Industry Forums: Join online forums and communities related to your field of interest. Engage in discussions, share valuable insights, and connect with like-minded professionals.
c. Jobsgram: Meet people beyond chats! Get real & meet real people behind resumes and profiles. Share your valuable thoughts & build your own community.
Seek Mentorship:
Reach out to experienced professionals in your industry and request mentorship. It has nothing to do with someone who has had many years of experience in the industry, these people are definitely in a senior position and might not respond to your LinkedIn DM, it has happened a lot to me as well! If you want to know about the industry and the background, a fresher, or a recent graduate who got a job in your dream company or the industry can give you a sneak peek as well!
Engage on Social Media:
Interact with industry influencers and thought leaders on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Networking is beyond the professional platforms now, there’s no boundary on where and how you network with people, the connection that you build matters the most!
Be Authentic and Give Back:
Networking is a two-way street. Be authentic in your interactions and genuinely interested in others’ careers. Offer support, advice, and assistance when possible, fostering mutually beneficial relationships. LinkedIn is one great platform where this give & take system works wonders. So if you are someone who does not feel as supported, try LinkedIn, it can help you find the most generous people across different industries.
Stay in Touch:
Maintain regular communication with your network. It doesn’t have to do anything with texting each one of them time and again, just interact on their post. They got promoted? Congratulate them in the comments section. Are they struggling? Support them, they’ll remember you and be a great network.
Follow Up:
Often when you connect with someone through any app for some advice over a call or meeting, thank them later for their time and patience.
Remember professional networking is not just collecting business cards or making social connections, its building meaningful connections that might befit you in the future,
5 reasons networking is important for Genz
Opening doors to opportunities;
While we face problems securing our dream job roles in our desirable companies, networking gives us an edge by unlocking hidden opportunities. Building strong connections will help you get a reference into the industry.
Personal branding & reputation
We are the digital natives who can build our presence as we please, and take chances to make it professional. Showcase your skills, and achievements that can help any company build itself & prove with your profile how you can be an asset to them,
Mentorship & guidance:
As a young professional just entering the workforce, you might struggle a lot with how things really work. Doing the right step beforehand can be crucial. networking gives you that opportunity. Step with the right foot into your first job.
Have knowledge of industry trends
The job market is rapidly evolving, and so does the industries. With AI integrations, things have changed, you need to know how AI affects your dream industry or job. Read about industry trends through social media or news channels.
Collaborate in the Gig Economy
What is a gig economy?
basically freelancing
The gig economy refers to a work environment where temporary or freelance jobs, known as “gigs,” are prevalent, rather than traditional full-time positions. In this type of economy, individuals often work on a project-by-project basis or offer their services and skills on a short-term, flexible basis. These workers are often referred to as “gig workers” or “independent contractors.”
With proper networking, you can not only find potential customers but also collaborations that will help your career go in the right direction.
Tips on getting started on networking right away!
#1 Get it clear
Set goals for networking, and define your networking needs whether it’s finding a new job, getting a mentor or exploring a new industry. Think about your purpose before reaching out to someone.
#2 Leverage online platforms
Explore the options online, the first thing in terms of professional networking might be linkedin to you, but other options can also be regarded, explore according to your networking goals.
#3 Join communities
Join communities of people with shared interests or create your own! Attend networking events, which allow you to meet new people and take your socialite friend with you if you are shy, they can help you.
#4 Show interest
Be authentic and genuinely show interest in building a connection, just don’t be desperate.
#5 Stay consistent
Make efforts to get multiple opinions and do not stick to just one person or group, connect with new people, get ideas and expand your knowledge, keep the curiosity high, always.
#6 Be patient
Not everyone is going to love a cold email or text but slowly you start building connections, get to know people, have mutuals, and keep going until it feels right to you.
Conclusion
Here’s a few things that you might want to take away with you!
- Networking is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, offering opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your horizons.
- Engaging on online platforms like LinkedIn and joining professional communities provides a digital gateway to valuable connections and resources.
- Attending networking events and informational interviews allows you to learn from experienced professionals and gather insights relevant to your career goals.
- Authenticity and genuine interest in others are key to building lasting relationships that can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and career opportunities.
- Stay committed to consistent networking efforts, be patient with the process, and offer support to others as you build a strong and supportive professional network that contributes to your success.
Keep networking, readers!
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