NEW GEN VOICES

The Power of Networking And The Benefits.

By Key Harp

The Power of Networking And The Benefits. Building meaningful relationships is prominent when networking. Networking is a powerful tool that can benefit everyone in its circle. Having a solid professional understanding with colleagues can help in every area of your business life and make room for lifelong relationships. Networking goals are to establish and maintain long-term beneficial relations with the people you meet along the way. Networking is not subjected to networking gatherings; you can network merely by grabbing a cup of coffee and talking to the stranger next to you. If you are introverted, don't fear. The social media apps are your friend. LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter. Honestly, I have made great connections with people I never met in person, and our relationship has blossomed in ways that have helped me grow in my own business. I have done blogs on people I have met on Youtube and Tik Tok, and we talk and gather info from time to time. Being scared is not an opinion when you are working on your dreams. Being open and aware of your surroundings could land you great opportunities with good people that love your ideas and are willing to help you find the right direction or push you to need in your business or life. Most people join business networking groups. These groups can offer great networking opportunities from people local, regional or national. These conventions make it easy to be in the room with like-minded professionals aspiring to make exciting connections to move their ideas forward. Networking is a twoway street relationship with exchanging information, building trust, and group support. Here are four benefits of networking.

Gaining Creative Ideas Exchanging knowledge and sharing information help benefit each party. Sharing personal experiences and sharing goals, discussing solutions for each other's problems or questions help either party receive new and fun ideas. Even collaborating on a project can help establish excellent practices and help navigate through the challenges in their businesses. Businesses Opportunities Seizing great opportunities is the name of the game in business and personal gains. When a partnership is formed, communication of new information is shared, which could help others in the networking circle find business opportunities or funding for their venture. Building these social skills helps build self-confidence and promotes positive aspects of self-esteem. Linking with likeminded people gives the extra push each person needs.

Businesses Connection Connecting is planting seeds of mutual understanding and assistance in advising goals that each person has set for themselves. Staying in touch with the person or persons in the networking group builds the trust needed to move forward in the relationship. If a person knows that you are good on your word, you create a good rapport and share and bounce off each other's support. As long as you stay professional and friendly, building the new partnership will establish growth. Growth Developing a good rapport reflects on the support system throughout the networking chain. The contacts you make can go a long way and impact the growth of your business. Being present and knowledgeable allows your status to grow in the networking chain. This can influence development in your career and gain more notably for what you do, colleagues turn into clients, clients turn in partnerships, and the cycle goes on—growing and expanding your business while helping others. Networking is not dead, and the benefits go beyond what is listed. Be the listener 80% of the time and use 20% of the time speaking, learn from others, ask the right questions, and always follow up with a person or opportunities. Never be afraid of others in networking; everyone can learn and connect to push their goals and dreams further. Just make sure you use your judgment and keep things professional and mutual.

Keyana Harper is the founder of Obsidian People and a Indie Incognito Magazine Associate Editor.

She can be found at Obsidian People Blog Opinions and submissions: opc.llc@yahoo.com