In the business world, any hope of getting ahead takes networking – determined and smart networking. This means on-site in your place of business (provided it’s more than half-a-dozen people), around town at events that draw those who share something with you, and without a doubt, online. In fact, it is a fact that these days you aren’t going to get anywhere you want to be without some level of online networking.
Part of this online effort is going to be in the social media realm, but the rest of it lies with business and professional online networking. When you connect online with business professionals, you are putting yourself out there in ways that you could never have imagined ten years ago. So many employment professionals, headhunters, and HR generalists are out there searching for profiles that match up with their needs, that offers can come from literally anywhere in the world. And subscribing to online networking databases like bristol who’s who offers the greatest benefits.
All you have to do is make sure you have a righteous profile with enough detail to accurately describe what you do and/or can do, along with some personal information that rounds you out. Make sure it is up-to-date, and post content on a regular basis. This shows that you are serious about how you come across, and you have a sense of urgency to make sure things are done well.
In addition to having a stellar profile, you are well-served by taking every opportunity to learn from the sites where you are listed. The content that relates to your skill-set and other profiles with similarities are great places to pick up additional knowledge and tips about professional networking that help you move ahead. Posting in various places throughout a networking site will get you noticed, increasing the chances of referrals and contacts.
And opportunity is probably only second to the connections you make when you network online. The opportunities that will be put in front of you are not limited – they can be anywhere and for anything. All it takes is the right person seeing something about you at the right time. Post on those boards that interest you and where you can add value. Connect with others in your professional line or who have similar interests. The return on this very small investment can be immense.
A great networking site is a wonderful place to get advice from others who understand what you do and most likely how you do it. They are going to be able to add a different perspective than you would have had a chance to see or hear otherwise. You literally never know where the next best thing is coming from, so don’t be shy. Ask questions, reach out, and make the connections that can last your whole career.
And don’t discount the positive influence you have when you are the one in a position to add value to someone else. This kind of support always comes back to you – sometimes in unexpected ways. These networking efforts will boost your confidence, and afford you the chance to meet and talk to other professionals you might never come in contact with without online networking outlets.