According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, networking is:
- the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business
Rather rudimentary, don’t you think? Basic, yet terrifying...We all hate networking, excluding the lucky few of course. It may be the fear of being awkward; the fear of offending someone; the fear of embarrassment or just plain laziness. But it is also this same fundamental process that lands people jobs, among other benefits. According to a SHRM poll, 75% of the firms accounted for cited networking as the recruiting method in place.
Kelly Moeller points out just how important networking is in the business world for those searching for a new job in her informative blog post. But there is one more important aspect to networking: professional development. Think of a recent blog post you read or an interesting article that a friend told you about. The depth to which knowledge can be incepted is immeasurable.
Well, as we all know, technology has made networking a whole lot easier. With the injection of “professional networking service” sites into mainstream culture, people are better able to network with one another (arguably) due to the stress-free environment, zero time pressure and opportunity to carefully exchange business ideas or knowledge with one another. When you have the time and when you feel comfortable, you can respond. Moreover, you can give back to not just one person, but hundreds of thousands of people. But this is two-fold, without user participation, these professional networking service sites would be useless.
It’s much easier than it used to be, so let’s all get out there and start networking today!
Speaking of which, if you are in the NYC area and are looking to network with other HR professionals, check out the iCIMS NYC Networking Group, where you will have access to informative articles and white papers, great discussions, and most importantly, speak with some of the greatest HR thinkers in New York. If you aren’t in the New York area but still want to network, check out iCIMS 10th Anniversary to register for a networking session near you. Network in Denver on June 3rd, in Philadelphia on June 15th and in California on June 28th.
Also, stay tuned for an iCIMS Networking Group in your area!
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