Networking

When you hear the word “networking”, what comes to your mind first?

You probably think about going to a job fair or asking all of your friends, family members and acquaintances for jobs.

But if you are currently employed, you might very well have easy access to one of the best networks you can have.

Let me introduce you to a different networking concept - that of “inside” networking, “inside” meaning: within your current company or organization.

68% of large U.S. companies have some kind of employee networks, according to the Diversity Best Practices group.

Lots of these corporate networking groups are divided into functional categories, like sales, public relations, etc.

You might ask: “but how will I benefit from joining a networking group within my company? Why will this help my career?”

Here are 7 reasons why joining one of your company’s networking group, like the “Advertising Leadership Team” will give a huge boost to your career

1, You will have access to company leaders you otherwise wouldn’t through interaction within the group and through delivering presentations, and joining in on projects.

2, Active involvement in company decision making process. For example: if you are an integral part of your company’s “Advertising Leadership Team” you will have insight into how decisions are made and you will also have responsibility for the success of projects involving that team.

3, You will have access to a huge network of like-minded professionals who are also interested in advancing their career, participating in special projects and learning new skills.

4, Being part of the networking group and being involved with special projects also means that you will also a pulse on the big picture, more specifically: the corporate-wide happenings.

5, You will also gain insights into industry happenings through your regular contact with decision-makers, like-minded peers and training opportunities.

6, Because these networks are there to support not only their members (you) but mainly the parent organization (your company), your involvement in a successful network project will lead to recognition and consequently, advancement opportunities.

7, Education and advancement. Company networks regularly offer skill-building opportunities through seminars, professional training sessions, and mentor relationships. Take advantage of all of them to advance your career and expand your knowledge base!

Here are a couple of tips to make the most of your network participation

How to find the RIGHT networking group?

Join one that not only has an active agenda but also boasts the endorsement and personal involvement of a senior manager you respect and want to learn from.

One more tip in closing:

Before you join a networking group, make sure that you create a plan and in it define what it is that you want out of your network participation and contribute to your network accordingly.

Good luck networking WITHIN your company! Because internal company networks work with basically every level of corporate hierarchy, you will get exposure to and contact with major decision-makers within the company.

These networks serve as bridges connecting a variety of professionals from all levels within an organization. By becoming a member of such networks, you will gain an incredible career advantage and will develop friendship, professional contacts, expand your knowledge base and, ultimately, benefit your career for a long time to come.

About The Author

Rita Fisher, a Certified Professional Resume Writer, writes professional resumes for job seekers. She has received publicity for her work with job seekers on the Oprah Winfrey Show, in McCall’s magazine and in many other media sources. Her professional resume writing work has been featured in “Gallery of Best Resumes” a book by Jist Publishing. You can reach her at http://www.CareerChangeResumes.com.

resumes@reliable-net.net

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In my e-book “Articles That Sell”, I’ve shared the secret of marketing your business on the Internet. If you’ve been active in your efforts, you’ve been writing and publishing free reprint articles.

Guess what? I’ve got another incredible marketing secret for you.

While online marketing has unlimited potential it often misses a valuable mark. This missed mark is your own local area. You could be missing out on immediate opportunities to market your expertise through your writing.

Take a discerning look in your own backyard. How many potential business allies do you meet yet overlook each day? Let’s make this simple… begin your day tomorrow with a pen and pad handy. Make a note of each person you encounter throughout your day, whether in-person or by telephone and/or e-mail.

Home: spouse/partner and kids.

Coffee Shop: owner, staff, and business professionals.

Work: parking lot attendant, colleagues and clients.

Gym: staff and other members.

Miscellaneous: banker, attorney, charities and even your competitors.

You get the idea, I’ll stop there. Each of these contacts, even your spouse and kids, presents a potential marketing opportunity. It all depends on your perception.

Let’s examine the marketing value of these relationships.

Spouse/Partner: He/she has a career. Careers come with contacts and we all agree that face-to-face contacts are valuable. This is particularly true in the area of business, but also in the area of professional and social organizations of your own. Writing an article for an organization to which your spouse belongs increases your exposure.

Kids: Most parents are jumping through the hoops of soccer practice, dance lessons and parent-teacher conferences. What coach or teacher wouldn’t love a parent who participates by contributing an article to the team, class or school newsletter? Kids don’t always read these but their parents do. Writing for school-related publications can deliver your name to countless local readers.

Business Associates: Gaining exposure via peers in your own field can be tough, especially if yours is very competitive. Contributing an article to a competitor’s business publication or newsletter creates goodwill. Business publications can be far-reaching and can create immediate recognition of your name within your industry. If you have an associate who is a small business owner with no publication offer your help in creating one. You’re almost certain to be asked to submit an article or given appropriate credit for your expertise.

Waitperson and/or Coffee Shop Owner: These folks are in the trenches and know more business professionals than you may know. Coffee shops play as much a role in business as Board rooms. Regular customers often view the owners and employees as familiar friends. Select a busy coffee shop and frequent it regularly. Establish a friendly rapport with the boss and the staff so that they know you well. As a regular, you’ll benefit if they know about your business as well as the fact that you write. Be personable, carry business cards and tip generously… and don’t be surprised! You can’t buy exposure for the price of a cup of coffee but you can gain recognition by genuinely interacting with others publicly. Never dismiss the potential of a contact who works in any service industry.

Charities/Community Service Organizations: While it’s quicker and easier to write a check, taking your donation to the next level can create a definite presence for you. Since most of these groups are nonprofit offer to contribute a free article. Try one of these article ideas: a piece about the group’s local efforts, a press release about a new fundraising effort or offer to write a regular column that covers the positive impact of the group’s work from the viewpoint of a business professional.

Professional Organizations: You pay your annual membership fee but attend few meetings and/or functions. Sure there’s prestige with membership but anyone bearing proper credentials can join. Treat your membership as an investment, a potentially profitable one by being active within the organization. Out of sight is typically out of mind, so make sure to let people see you regularly. Be the first one to volunteer your business expertise and/or writing services for any projects.

Adjust your focus to the potential rather than the immediate and don’t forget to look in your own backyard for business contacts and opportunities. As your own local awareness increases you will receive reciprocating professional recognition. It’s just a matter of fine-tuning your perspective.

(c) 2004, Davis Virtual Assistance. All rights in all media reserved. Right to publish this article is granted provided the article and by-line are reprinted intact.

Article marketing guru Bonnie Jo Davis offers free and paid article marketing resources on her Squidoo Lens and at her membership site Article Submission Sites.com.

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