Team Blog

v-Fluence Blog

03/21/2007

Posted by Valerie Handunge.

At my college graduation, I asked my favorite professor for some final words of wisdom. “It's not what you know but who you know that leads to success in your career,” he responded nonchalantly. “Someone should have added that to my course guide,” I muttered. Two years later, however, I find that there is quite a bit of truth to this adage. I’ve come to realize that while hard work and knowledge are important aspects of professional development, the ability to network effectively is not too far behind.

Whether you work at a virtual firm, as I do, or not, here are some networking tips:

1. Join your university’s alumni association.

Nothing can bring strangers together like school pride. Alumni associations often offer networking events, such as volunteer opportunities, ice cream socials and summer potlucks, which bring alum together.

2. Join your industry’s professional or trade organization.

The good news is that most industries have at least one association, which brings professionals with similar interests together and offers professional training, conferences and news of relevant developments via newsletters and journals. Membership, or a leadership position, typically helps boost credibility.

3. Sign up for a mentoring program.

Many professional organizations and alumni associations offer mentoring programs. Mentoring is a great opportunity for both the mentor and the protégé; the mentor benefits from a protégé’s fresh ideas and energy; protégés benefit by learning from a mentor’s experiences, which helps to increase self-confidence and provides a role model and support system.

4. Join relevant online social networks.

A social network is an online community or a Web communication technology tool that helps establish new relationships or enhance existing ones. LinkedIn, for example, is a popular professional social network that connects businesses by industry, functions, geography and areas of interest. Don’t underestimate the social networks that you formed in college, such as Facebook. You never know, your old college roommate could end up being your next client.

5. Take it on the road (where you can).

When working remotely, every opportunity outside the walls of your house is a networking opportunity. Keep your mind open to meeting people and be genuinely interested in learning about them.

Joining all the organizations in the world will not help you create a network if you don’t actively participate and create relationships. When you join your alumni association or a professional organization, go to events and volunteer in leadership roles. Get involved as much as you can!

Below is a short list of great books to help you get started on your quest to network: