I’ve got to rant. I don’t get it. Why do people still ask the question “Why do I need to network?” This isn’t just a quick fix to a job search. Networking is simply about building relationships!
Perhaps they are making too much out of it. Every day we have unanswered questions and problems that need resolving: who can fix my car, what is the best webinar software, who can help me solve this problem at work, what tool will best help me on this project, where would I go if I needed help with my taxes, who has good information on health insurance options, where do I go to get job search advice?
I could go on all day with questions that need answering. How do we get the answers? 99 times out of 100 we ask people, right? That is networking. No big deal. There are certain people we go to regularly for their ability to provide good recommendations. Hmmm, that’s networking, right?
Networking sites are growing at an astounding rate (Facebook and LinkedIn). Why do you think this is? Because, at the core, we are human beings and we want to connect with other human beings. (aka, networking). Sites like Amazon ask for “customer reviews”. Real end users willingly provide their feedback. Thumbs up, thumbs down. It makes it easier for future consumers to make a decision.
All networking is about is getting answers to our questions from people we either know or respect in some way.
So, the question we should be asking is, “How can I communicate more effectively?”! That is the real issue!
Phew, I feel so much better now!
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Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
