Networking has been around for a long time and continues to prove the importance of it throughout one’s career. Although many individuals cringe at the thought of networking, there are many myths that are not true about this powerful way to connect with people. For starters that networking is just a way to get a job and that is the only benefit from it. This is absolutely not true; it goes beyond just handing a resume to a familiar person. These are lifelong bonds that are beneficial through an extended period of time.
The steps to networking are easy to follow as long as you don’t let your social anxieties get the best of you. Majority of people seem to get worked up mentally in large crowds and do not seek their full potential at a networking event. The key is to remain calm and have a plan in motion before going to any kind of networking event. You need to have in mind exactly what you’re going in there for and the type of candidates that would be good in your networking circle. After meeting with contenders it is your responsibility to keep up contact and remember they are doing the favor and to really appreciate any time or feedback given. This will build their trust and confidence in you as a person if you continually show communication efforts and motivation in that particular career field.
The potential knowledge you can gain from these people in your social circle can help you in your career when facing challenges or lead you to a new opportunity. Networking provides a good outlet to seek access to prospective jobs that most of the times are not listed for public view. With your inside connections you are more likely to be exposed to these hidden opportunities than others. There is also the sharing of information and the reciprocal aspect of networking; to be able to exchange or return favors for those that have helped you to get to your career. When you finally get settled into your profession you’ll realize that it’s helpful to have an outside resource to call on during challenging times. To have a knowledgeable mentor guide you in hard times is extremely nice because they could have already been through the same dilemma and have very informative advice to give for the sticky situation. Networking can give you guidance on how to further your profession or possible new adventures to take with other career prospects on the rise. These are just a glimpse at some of the amazing advantages and the enormous power of networking.
-Melissa Shampoe
IMC Hawks Blog 
Agreed! Well written – thank you.
Diana
Networking really is extremely powerful. While it is important to work hard, make good grades, etc., it also is so important to constantly network and make connections with people. These people don’t even have to be business professionals or people that are likely to hire you for a job. Teachers and professors are examples of people students should constantly be networking with. It is always important to put your best foot forward, even when simply attending class during the week. Communicate with your teachers, ask questions, whatever you can do to show that you care about school and your future. You never know when the opportunity will arise to network for a potential career your future may hold. It’s also important to make these connections with people, not only for your own benefit, but for theirs as well. If people in your own networking circle feel that you are likely to help them out in the future, you are likely to benefit more from that exchange.
I agree that networking is a very powerful tool and is very important. Today many people say, “it’s not about what you know, but who you know.” As I do not completely agree with this statement, I do agree with the part about whom you know. Many people do not take advantage of opportunities to network. Frequently talking to mentors or those in the business world can have a great advantage, even if they do not provide you with a job. Many times, this kind of networking can give you insight and professional advice. As mentioned, you need to be the one to initiate contact because many times, people do not reach out, so you need to be the one to do it.
Networking is a great way to get you brand out there. Not only can it help secure a career, it also allows to to make connections with those you may encounter in the future. So, making a memorable impression will increase the number of job offers one gets as well as the likely hood that other will want to due business with you in the future.
I thought this post was very informative. I feel that a lot of people are intimidated as well when the thought of them having to network arises. Although it may require you to step out of your comfort zone at times, relationships you build through the work force can help you out immensely in the long run, especially if the relationship is with an individual from another city or state. My mom is a dentist and a major part of her job is networking. A lot of the resources they currently have in the office would not be there if it were not for her and her colleagues networking skills. Just goes to show no matter the field, networking is always beneficial.