How can your network and personal brand help you find programming opportunities?

🌐Networking and personal #brands are important to programmers because they hugely influence a person's ability to #earn $🏦 🫱🏿🫲🏽Both #online and #IRL networks are equally important ☺️OAPSIE's network in descending order of precedence: •💱 Plexus LGBT Cham. of Comm., •⛓ LinkedIn, •🌍My Own Site (OAPSIE.com), •⬆️Upwork, •🏭 Better Business Bureau of Akron, •📲 Facebook, •💹 Cuyahoga Falls Cham. of Comm., •🛠️ASME ☺️We have #won #business from members of each of these #organizations 🕸️A #diversified #network is good for the same reason diversity is good in #employment and #investment (i.e. minimizes career risk and enhances earnings power to have multiple avenues of gaining customers' trust #networking #engineering #programming ☺️

Expanding your network beyond your immediate circle is crucial. It exposes you to diverse perspectives, fostering inspiration and growth. Building this network, coupled with sharing your expertise, leads to new opportunities and career advancement.

Actively engaging with industry colleagues, peers, and professionals enables me to access their knowledge and connections, potentially leading to job referrals and collaborations. A strong online presence on platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, and personal blogs helps me showcase my skills, making me attractive to potential employers and clients. Additionally, participating in conferences, meetups, and hackathons provides valuable face-to-face networking opportunities. Staying current with the latest programming languages and technologies is vital, demonstrating my commitment to ongoing learning and skill enhancement, which can attract opportunities requiring up-to-date expertise.

Reflecting on my engineering journey in 2011, I initially underestimated the power of networking. However, networking plays an important role, particularly within technology. In the technology sector, networking becomes evident; because you can forge vital connections, access opportunities, and foster collaborations. In addition, a well-crafted personal brand communicates your expertise, value, and unique qualities. Hence, if I were to offer advice to my younger self, I would emphasize the early adoption of networking and personal brand development. When initiated at the outset of one's career, these strategic undertakings undoubtedly pave the way for enhanced professional growth and a more impactful presence within the industry.

According to a survey by LinkedIn, 85% of all jobs are filled via networking. Another study found that 70% of professionals were hired at a company where they had a connection. This shows the importance of having a strong network in finding job opportunities.

Building a robust professional network requires strategic steps. Here are some that I have utilized myself 1. Begin by identifying your goals and target connections 2. Engage in industry events, conferences, and online platforms relevant to your field 3. Nurture relationships by offering genuine value, sharing insights, and actively listening. Furthermore, taking advantage of your social media to showcase your expertise is handy (I use Linkedin a lot for this). Also, know that networking is continuous; stay engaged, expand your horizons, and foster meaningful connections that enrich your career journey. Finally, collaborate on projects, seek mentorship, and reciprocate support.

1. Stay Connected: It's important to keep in touch with your network. But don't bug them too much! 2. Use Tools: You can use things like Email, WhatsApp, or Slack to send messages, reminders, or say hello. You can also plan calls or meetings to chat about things. 3. Help Each Other: Share cool stuff you find on Medium, YouTube, or GitHub. If someone needs help, give advice or tips. 4. Say Thank You: If someone helps you, make sure to say thanks. You can use Email, LinkedIn, or Twitter to do that. You can also send nice messages, gifts, or introduce them to others. Remember, keeping your network happy is like tending a garden. Water it with communication, sunlight it with helpfulness, and sprinkle it with appreciation! 🌱🌞🌷