Networking is not a forte for the elite ambitious neither is it a basic social norm in any social setting but a social science that is practiced everywhere. Even though not a basic human instinct, it is certain that most people don’t network on a conscious level and that is why the art has to be re-invented in this century and age.
This nature and perspective to networking as a process and art of acquiring or creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit, posses a lot of questions to people with the intention of actively taking up networking to see their endeavors reach fruition. Some of the questions that crop in our minds based on our understanding of networking and its nature include:
⦁ Is networking a trainable attribute?
In the earlier or introductory note, we took the perspective of networking as an art, and consequently it thus follows that, being an art, networking is an attribute that can be acquired through learning. Apprentice, formal or informal, there are various ways to acquire skills in a field that requires pro-active networking. Apart from experience acquired from our social interactions, networking skills could be imparted to anyone through formalized or informal training, for acquisition of new networking techniques.
⦁ How can I learn effective networking cues?
The answer to the question of how easy these vital knowledge or skill to network can be honed depends on the purpose for which the particular person intends to adopt networking for. While it’s quite obvious that steering or fostering better relationships in the networking chain requires a great deal of mastery in interpersonal skills, Networking tactics can also be learned and taught both in formal and informal settings. It is however paramount to note that, networking is a life skill, not something you do only when you want something from someone else.
As the adage goes, your network is your networth… it is imperate that we devise and embrace a strategy that helps us improve how we network with other people from different walks of life in our social and career spheres.
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