Looking back, the formula for moving up the career ladder seemed vastly different from what it does today. Gone are the days when pure work ethic, grit, and a formal qualification got you situated in your dream job. Gone are when one didn’t have to do much other than peep the weekly classifieds for company vacancies or bring a new client on board.
Marketing today is a shadow of its former self. It is no longer governed by rigid rules. Instead, the face of marketing has taken a more human approach, and you guessed it – it’s all about who you know in the digital age.
Ever heard the phrase, “Your network is your net worth?” This couldn’t be more true in the age of digital marketing. Here, we will explain why consolidating a solid network is essential for both the company and the employee.
Communicating to Expand Your Professional Network
Communication is one of the most vital parts of developing a mutually beneficial relationship with a professional partner. Better yet, it is at the heart of networking itself.
According to Forbes, the pandemic played a massive role in helping people forget just how important networking is, with little to no networking events held in the past two years and only recently gaining traction again. With that disappeared the ability to effectively connect and communicate.
An integral part of networking is ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time. Some institutions host tailored networking events for industry professionals across industries. You can join mailing lists and subscribe to professional social media accounts and LinkedIn groups to ensure you’re up-to-date on upcoming networking events in your industry.
Social Media and Digital (Networking)
While showing up in person and making a good impression is first prize, networking starts long before the penultimate handshake. In the age of digital networking, the vast majority of networking we do will take place in the online space.
And so, if you’re an avid observer on LinkedIn, it may be time to consider trying your hand at being a conversation starter. This is a remarkably effective way to network, helps you engage with many professionals with diverse views and backgrounds, and boasts the added benefit of situating you as a thought leader. This can also be a useful segway into digital marketing if you’re an entrepreneur.
If you’re a marketer, networking also provides you with amazing opportunities for cross-collaboration. This is also an excellent way to learn from successful people within and outside of your industry
If you’re a business, a great way to network digitally is to post business insights and polls to get the conversation going. Here, you can gain meaningful input from a medley of skilled professionals in their trade. See, it all circles back to engagement.
Broadens Your Industry Knowledge
Of course it’s great to be good at what you do and know, but don’t underestimate the power of having knowledge of things outside your industry. Networking can help you to build your intel on what makes businesses click – and this is super important for marketers working across industries.
Who knows, you may even be an established entrepreneur looking to rebrand and on the hunt for a creative to do your website and logo design in Reno (Vegas, Henderson), and here you are in the throes of a conversation with a graphic designer looking for exposure. Better than that, this could even be a future client or investor.
Networking in Business
Networking is not only beneficial for people seeking employment; on the contrary. It aims to benefit the candidate and the employer or marketer through mutually shared interests. Moreover, networking can secure more aptly skilled and suitable individuals who fit with a company’s culture and ethos, leading to better employee retention and overall sustainability, whether permanently or on a project-to-project basis.
Much like pruning a tree, your network may require you to head back to the drawing board and reorganize your connections. Someone you met five years ago may no longer benefit your business or career trajectory today, so review or remove connections that no longer make business sense.
Undoubtedly, the ways people become employed and employ have changed since the early 2000s. It’s no longer as simple as applying for a vacancy by dropping off a resume and crossing your fingers. In the 21st century, people and businesses value a more people-based approach; this is where networking comes in. Part of consolidating a professional network is ensuring benefit to both parties involved. And when this is realized, then networking is successful.