How do you keep networking effective?

As per me both are important, Quality of connections helps you to nurture your growth, help you to go to the next level whereas quantity of connections gives you wider perspective, helps you to widen your circle which in turn can result into more quality connections. Invest more time with quality connections and make them deeper but at the same time focus on expanding the circle and make new connections.

In my experience, the quality of connections outweighs the quantity in the world of networking. It's not about collecting business cards like trading cards; it's about building genuine relationships. Taking the time to nurture existing connections is a game-changer. Regular follow-ups, genuine interest, and providing support go a long way. It's not just about what you can get but also about what you can give. Meaningful interactions create a foundation that can withstand professional challenges. Remember, it's not a numbers game; it's about the depth of connection that makes networking truly effective.

With 22+ years in ICT field, I've learned networking isn't cards & pitches. It's trust, shared goals—a coding collaboration. Quality > quantity. Authenticity matters. Give, diversify, communicate. Blend online-offline. Patience is key. Each connection codes success.

In my experience it’s truly about being engaged in the community or organization that you join. Be intentional about where you spend your time and what other professionals are ideal to partner with for the industries and clients you serve. Remember, everyone’s roadmap to success looks a little different based on your industry within an organization. As an example if you’re a professional with 20+ years experience in your area of expertise, and collaborate/partner best with specific white collar professionals such as as Attorneys, CPA’s then seek out those professional groups. It’s not about your return on your investment, it comes down too your return on your involvement.

Success isn't about casting a wide net and hoping for the best. It's about honing in on the right details and making the most of what you have. Just like you mentioned, whether it's resources or contacts, the true magic lies in extracting the maximum value from limited means. Quality over quantity is the key. Those who truly excel recognize where to channel their energy, investing it wisely in nurturing genuine connections rather than spreading themselves thin. It's not the number of connections, but the depth of relationships that truly makes a difference.

Whether you're an extrovert or an introvert, focus on your strengths. Extroverts can leverage their sociable nature to initiate conversations, while introverts can excel in listening and making thoughtful contributions. Adapt networking strategies to your personality while continuously challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone. When networking, aim to establish sincere and mutually beneficial connections. Engage in conversations that go beyond superficial small talk. Take the time to understand your contact's background, aspirations, and challenges. Demonstrating a genuine interest in their journey can lay the foundation for a lasting professional relationship.

Even if you can't stay in touch with everyone, know that your spirit, work ethic, and diligence of purpose are seen and can have a lasting impression on those around you. In time memories do fad, but those impressions will remain in effect longer than your skills and abilities.

In my view, dispelling the myth that networking is exclusively for extroverts is crucial to keeping it effective. Introverts possess unique qualities that can make them excellent networkers thoughtfulness and authenticity. To succeed in networking, leverage your strengths and preferences, whether it's online interactions, one-on-one meetings, or small group discussions. Prioritize quality over quantity, engage in deeper conversations, and follow up to nurture those valuable connections. Networking should be about building trust and rapport, not fitting into a predefined mold.

These days I feel there are so many ways exist even for a introvert to do networking and make connections. You dont have to be outspoken for that..effective use of a platform like linkedin can help in growing professional network

I believe networking is better suited for introverts, as individuals skilled in communication don't struggle to connect with others. Conversely, introverts often find it challenging to open up, but through networking, they can effectively communicate with their peers and accomplish their goals.

I agree completely with the last point. Networking is a two way street, and no one will want to help those who only help themselves. Strengthen your network by helping simply because you can, and the support will be there when you reach out.

I agree, keep networking continuously until you need to call on your network for employment. It has benefited me a lot in the past to keep in touch and go to local events to build a strong network of connections.

Networking should not be limited to just job seeker, it means much more than that. Networking helps you to make connections. Some of those connections can result into mentorship, going forward some of these can even turn into sponsorship as well. Go ahead make lots of connections, you dont need to be a job seekers for that. linkedin is an amazing platform for this.

Ironically, some believe networking is for job seekers. The truth is it's not! Now, even if we were to consider the aspect of job hunting, no one is going to hand it over to you on a platter - just because you networked for a specific need. So. Networking essentially must revolve around three core parameters: 01. Network with an intention to solidify your personal brand. 02. Network with a mindset to contribute. 03. Finally, network with an aim to provide value through your conversations.

Networking is about friendship, comradery, and the courtesy we extend to those around us through our job, our support, and our understanding. Helping, mentoring, and educating do not come naturally to all, but the effort to reach out and continue a relationship can often reward both parties.

In my view, Networking is a natural process that the vast majority, if not all, people do when we interact with others with whom we share interests, a common goal, or in which particular interests intersect or converge, and in this sense they are not limited to the professional field. The same occurs in the recreational practice of disciplines or arts in a particular way where we equally cultivate and maintain links with different types of people with whom we share findings, seek advice, techniques, points of view. The form of interaction may change depending on the link established with each member of our network, and most likely in a professional field to be a more formal style, however the process is not very different.

Networking is for everyone, even those just starting out on the journey of employment. You can never tell who you will meet along the way, who you will affect along the way, or how your knowledge and experience will be expanded on the road.

Conscious networking for a goal vs what I will call natural networking. We are all networking everyday and have a network already including friends, family, and other groups. Technology has made it much easier these days to connect but it isn’t just for professionals. In the modern market especially I agree that you should branch out and bring diversity to your networking portfolio. Many projects I’ve worked on I stumbled onto through someone in my network. Often those are the best ones! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and keep it genuine. Not everything will go as planned but that’s how we grow. If you expand your network big or small I think you will be surprised what could happen. Be someone you’d want to network with.

we all start like a beginner to play around with no skils. This is a good starting point so keep up the quriosity and play around and grow in network skils

Realizing that EVERY human to human interaction is "networking" is a big mindset shift. However, changing your brain to think this way will 10x your networking results. How? 1. Looking at every interaction as networking means you now have "presence" in your interactions. This will help you listen and engage 10x better in everyday conversations. 2. Treating every conversation with intent will give you 10x the number of practice opportunities to hone your networking skills. Getting enough reps rapidly builds your communication muscle. 3. People often take for granted those who are close and support them the most. Treating everyday conversations as importantly as formal conversations will create 10x the bonds with your biggest supporters.

In my experience foundation of networking is loyalty to friends and coworkers. Forget and forgive to maintain and keep the relationship.

Networking begins simply with a conversation. I think there is a lot of overthinking on this topic, especially as more tools have become widely available. We should ask ourselves more questions; how did those professionals get to those types of formal events to begin with? Most of the time they knew someone or knew someone who knew someone. Who you know vs what you know. Both are important but there’s a reason many of us have heard that phrase. Constantly be learning, listening, contributing, trying. A network doesn’t have to be large, professional, or fancy to be effective. I’d also like to note that many large formal professional events are expensive to no end. I respect the exclusivity but who is in the room matters more than setting.

I like to talk about something called "strategic networking". It's about identifying and reaching out to individuals that are aligned to your goals, especially those that are long term goals...the ones that you have penciled in to achieve in 5+ years. Start planting the seeds for the relationships that are going to be so important for you 5 years from now. It's like collecting all of the pieces for a puzzle you're not ready to build. Doing this not only takes the stress out of reaching out to people (because you're just curious about an individual and their journey), and at a personal level, you know it's effective because your sole purpose is to build a relationship with the person and collect information.

In a few words, I´d say that one key aspect of effective networking is being authentic. Authenticity fosters genuine connections and helps others relate to you. People are more likely to engage with someone who is real and sincere, rather than someone who seems overly polished or rehearsed. While networking is important, it's equally crucial to maintain healthy boundaries. Respect others' time and commitments, and avoid overwhelming them with excessive requests. Balance is key to sustaining long-term relationships.