Building a network

 

Without realizing it, you have probably already built a network of professional colleagues who are willing to help and advise you. Your network consists of people both inside and outside of your organization who know you and your work.

         Key associates in your network keep you abreast of “what´s happening”. They may be in the same industry or field as you, or they may give you tips on developments in unrelated fields.

         Why do you need a network?

Ø To give and receive support, advice, and insight.

Ø To exchange specific information about trends, personnel changes and career opportunities.

Ø To transact business, or get a (perhaps new or unifamiliar) job done.

Networking is a two-way street. When you invest time and energy in other people, they become valuable allies when you, in turn, need support or information. This is called a mutually rewarding relationship.

     Are you setting up a conference? Re-organizing a department? Making a major office purchase? These are occasions when you can use your network.

    Why reinvent the wheel when you can consult others who have faced the same challenges?

 

Written by:

Barnes, Carolyn; Manning, Marilyn. Professional Excellence for Secretaries: a fifty-minute series book. Crisp Publications: Menlo Park, California.