Professional Network Plan
Professional networking involves fostering and increasing contacts to give and get referrals, advice, support, and information. Generally, it revolves around the creation of relationships that are working towards and are beneficial in reaching professional goals. Today, technology has helped a lot in this field through such social platforms as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Naymz, and BrighFuse, among others. These sites started as just avenues for communication among friends. These, among others, are some of the available platforms that can help us expand our professional networks. An established professional network has proved to be a vital part of our career lives. This paper describes my professional plan and how I intend to increase my professional network.
There are multiple forms through which we network. These forms range from a one-on-one meeting with other people; connecting through social media; attending regular conferences; and attending industry events, among others. Besides, networking may occur at the workplace, social outing, and even in a meeting. One can seize a networking opportunity through any situation that entails interaction. As a result, I can take advantage of all of these circumstances to expand my professional network. As a student, I have time to interact with people from different professional fields.
Professional networking sites are some of the essential tools for people to advance their careers to higher levels. Many websites give opportunities to professionals for the effective transformation of their careers. One of these sites that I have found to be effective is LinkedIn. LinkedIn, as compared to other social networks, is the most popular in terms of business networking. It allows professionals and businesses to connect. It provides an excellent environment for like-minded people to share ideas in their professional world. Users may display updates regarding their careers and current employers. As a result, I will use this platform to network with other professionals from different fields.
Building genuine relationships is a recipe for successful networking. Professional networking strategies are beyond mere interaction and exchange of phone numbers and email addresses. Instead, it should be about quality connections based on reciprocity, listening, and shared goals and interests. Through networking, we get an opportunity to create life-long friends. Therefore, whenever I interact with other professionals, I ensure that I build a good relationship with them. In the process, I extend my invitation, and when I am at a conference, I connect with the next person sitting with me.
I also ensure reciprocity and frequency of communication. These are some of the efforts of strengthening relationships within my network. The best way of doing so entails the building of relations with the people I already have. This will mean staying in touch with such people as neighbors and old colleagues. Staying in touch with them through social media can help enhance the connection. Also, I will have periodic contact with my college colleagues and maintain a professional network with them.
Building and maintaining a professional network is one of the essential things for any professional who wishes to expand their careers. Many of us do not know how to go about- once they are employed, they forget that networking is also vital in advancing their careers. After considering many factors, I think it will be crucial to note that we have many ways of enhancing our professional networks. Therefore, we should use as many of these ways to expand our networks. One of the advantages of networking is that we get fresh ideas from different people. Also, professional networking is an essential tool for accessing job opportunities.