Networking has become an integral part of one’s professional life, whether you are an employer or an employee. It not only helps your business but also your individual professional growth. Professional networking doesn’t necessarily occur in an official setting but in fact can be done at multiple platforms. It is important to connect with different groups of people to expand your network. Some ways that an employers can network are:
- Go to career fairs: Going to a career fairs will allow you to meet people you can potentially hire. Such a platform let you engage with potential employees in an informal setting and give you an opportunity to obtain additional insights about them, which may not always be possible in a sit-down interview.
- Seek out competitors: In today’s market, it is crucial to maintain a healthy working relationship with your competitors. Conversing with them over lunch or coffee can lead to a productive exchange and sharing of ideas. This can be an excellent learning opportunity to understand the gaps in the market, which you can capitalize on.
- Maintain a relationship with your colleagues: Before one seeks out external connections, it is important to form a relationship with your colleagues and employees. Make sure to take some time out for office gatherings so you can form a relationship with the people you will be spending majority of the day with.
- Use social media correctly: One of the fastest way to reach out to the relevant people is through social media. You can use platforms that are especially designed for professional networking, such as, LinkedIn. However, also use more common websites such as Facebook and Twitter to reach a wider audience.
It is vital to understand that networking is an ongoing process and in order to optimize your experience, you must continue to engage in different kinds of networking platforms.