In
one of sharing session with one of IBM distributor/partner, I
coincidentally brought up a topic about The Power of Digital Networking.
Yes digital networking!!
In
Business Development world, networking is a must!! but have you ever
imagine that in this digital era we also need to acquire one more new
skill, a Digital Networking?
As
I look back, networking has become a part of me since I was in
vocational high school, yes Networking is me!. I was starting my
networking journey in Hanoi,Vietnam since I had to work abroad (SEAMEO
ASEAN). And I'm so grateful to connect with one of influential C-level
executive from one of multinational company in Indonesia that become my
mentor until now, the most innovative, visionary and thoughtful leader
I've ever known. Get a lot of inspiration and learning in leadership and
lovelife journey :D. Since then, I begun to be more confident to 'knock the door' of some C-levels
and other influential people to also be mentors, coaches, and learning
resources on various issues.
In
today era, networking become easier and limitless! digital tech has
spoiled us with various capabilities which makes communication become
easier, cheaper and more effective. Our networks have become the source
of learning, growth and
fulfillment we find in life, both personally and professionally. Our
networks hold many of the keys to help us find a job, learn new skills,
share new ideas, or simply have fun.
This make me curious to dig in further and I found an interesting article in https://www.digitalroad.io/, and below is the summary.
WHY Digital Networking?
Effective networking can provide us all with an abundance of
opportunities all enabled through building meaningful relationships with
others, from opportunities for personal and professional growth to
commercial success. Now, by leveraging the power of our networks
through digital technology, we can further discover, build, support and
manage the relationships which create these opportunities more flexibly
and at greater scale. In short, taking our networking activity online
can help create more of these opportunities - more learning, more
growth, more success.
Network Insights.
At its core, digital networking is powered
by data. By creating and connecting large subsets of information from
across our networks and aggregating them online; digital-savvy
networkers can leverage online tools from social media and other
channels to build a deeper understanding of the characteristics and
identity of their overall network.
In analyzing and profiling our
networks using the various online analytical tools such as
LinkedIn’s alumni insights or Twitter’s follower analysis tool, we are
able to build that picture, and also spot potential gaps in our network
and where we should look to expand on them, fitting to our own personal
and career goals.
HOW Digital Networking work?
The art of digital networking’
can often seem quite broad and unending.
Discover: Identifying new prospective contacts who can add value to to your network and instigating 2-way interaction with them online.
Build:
Developing interactions with newer members of your network to better
understand their personality, background, interests and more in order to
drive rapport at a personal level.
Support: Maintaining
positive rapport through continued regular interaction and sharing in
line with each party’s social relationship expectations.
Manage: Developing
and organising an effective communication cadence for supporting
existing relationships and simultaneously expanding your network.
WHAT SKILLS needed in Digital Networking?
Networking is ME!
Based on my experiences, here some tips needed to develop your networking skill, But in the end is about THE ART, every people has their own networking style and strategy.
1. Set your GOAL, be measurable!
2. Put your VALUE inside
3. Be STRATEGIC and PRACTICAL at the same time
4. Be DETERMINED and NEVER GIVE UP
5. Hone your ANALYTICAL THINKING
6. Turn your EMPATHY on, skills/knowledges without empathy is nothing!!
7. Combine your ART and SCIENCE skills
8. Be OPEN MINDED, CURIOUS, and RESPECT
9. Be a GOOD LISTENER!!
10. GROWING, GROWING, GROWING!!
Remember,
everything you do digitally will always be there as a footprint, and
your footprint is a part of your credibility, so be WISE!
In digital networking, understanding the nature and key characteristics of different tools and social channels online is essential to effectively building and developing your online social network.
In digital networking, understanding the nature and key characteristics of different tools and social channels online is essential to effectively building and developing your online social network.
Networking is about making connections and connecting the dots!
Your network is your net worth. So start to build your network breadth and depth!