Do you like networking?

I teach students about networking. I think it is really important to understand the importance of networks and how they might help you socially and professionally.

I love networking and feel comfortable doing it.  I have a large network of friends and acquaintances.  But I know that some people do not network – is it important?

Networking is defined as the systematic process of meeting people, learning about them, establishing relationships, creating connections and positive relationships with people.

Creating a collection of personal contacts can provide support, feedback, and resources needed to get things done on a personal and professional level.

Think about your networks – you will have friends from school, further education, work, parent groups, parents of your children’s friends, friends close to where you live, other stages of your life.

Are you spending the right amount of time on certain networks – maybe too much time with work friends and not enough time with friends at home?

Have you lost touch with some friends who you would really like to meet up with?  It is so easy to keep in contact with them. Even if you have not ‘spoken’ to them for a while – they are still there.  Send them a message.

When I teach networking, I ask my students to rate on a scale of 1:10 – how comfortable do they feel about networking?  Where do you rate yourself?

I know that when some people meet someone new they may think – will they be of help to my life?  I never ask myself that – I just work out if I will enjoy that persons company.  But you never know when you might need someones help and the bigger your network – the more the chance that someone might help.

It is never too late to network.  And it is good for our health to have friends and acquaintances – especially as we get older.

Read more and image credit for front page:  http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2013/01/15/the-8-networking-rules-you-should-never-break/#3709e5397091