In 2015, I started working as a Fanshawe Online Ambassador in my college. It was a volunteering position, but I applied for this position because I was introvert and had hard time communicating with people. During this volunteering position, I made a lot of important friends. Now you will ask why I am telling you this story. The reason is because I didn’t know my simple desire to come out of my shy shell will bring me my dream job. One day I met my senior from the same volunteering job in a bus and we ended up chatting where I casually mentioned that I am looking for a job and he referenced me for web developer position. I was initially rejected but due to my desire to learn and grow the Developer manager gave me a chance for entry level position.

Networking is the process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. It’s not just about attending events and collecting business cards; it’s about building genuine relationships that are mutually beneficial. Networking can happen anywhere—at industry conferences, online platforms like LinkedIn, or even at casual social gatherings.

Here are some tips for Effective Networking to stand out in the crowd:

Be Genuine: Authenticity is key. People can sense when you’re being insincere. Show genuine interest in others and be yourself.

Listen More Than You Talk: Networking isn’t just about promoting yourself. Take the time to listen and understand what others have to say.

Follow Up: After meeting someone, always follow up with a personalized message. This shows that you value the connection.

Offer Value: Think about how you can help the other person. Networking is a two-way street, and helping can make a lasting impression.

Stay Consistent: Regularly keep in touch with your network. This keeps the relationship alive and can lead to future opportunities.

It’s Not About Immediate Gains: Networking is about long-term relationships, not immediate returns. Patience is essential.

Quality Over Quantity: A few meaningful connections are more valuable than many superficial ones.

The Power of a Diverse Network: Connecting with people from different industries and backgrounds can offer new perspectives and opportunities.

Being Prepared: Before attending a networking event, I do my research. Knowing who will be there and having a few talking points ready can make a big difference.

Personal Branding: Having a strong, consistent personal brand has helped me stand out. This includes an up-to-date LinkedIn profile and a professional online presence.

Attending Industry Events: Participating in industry-specific events and conferences has allowed me to meet key players in my field and stay updated on trends.

There are many fun stories as I have been networking for over 8 years now. But one of them is when I reached out to someone over LinkedIn and asked guidance. That person is James Smith, who is self-proclaimed networking guru, and he rightfully is as he knows how to brand himself. As soon as I saw his message he asked me to meetup and introduced me to other people who can teach me more skills. He hosted Power Up London events pre-covid and I loved volunteering in that event as I always met with new people who taught me something new. One time I met an author and after speaking with him, he inspired me to write more as I love telling stories and he could feel that from communicating with me

At George Brown College, I met a lot of friends who has different skillsets, and I learned a lot from my professors too. Especially in the Digital Media Marketing Seminar Series class, my professor, Wendy Greenwood invited guest speakers every week who gave information about how they landed the job, what their day-to-day work looks like, and important skills required to be successful.

My journey from a shy introvert to a confident professional is a testament to the transformative power of networking. It started with a simple desire to break out of my shell, and it led to incredible opportunities, valuable friendships, and professional growth beyond my wildest dreams. Meeting my senior on that bus and securing a web developer position was just the beginning. Over the years, I’ve learned that networking is not about collecting contacts but about building meaningful, lasting relationships that can open doors to new possibilities.

As I’ve experienced firsthand, effective networking involves genuine engagement, active listening, and consistently nurturing connections. It’s about offering value to others and staying true to oneself. Networking has taught me the importance of persistence, authenticity, and the power of a diverse network. It has introduced me to mentors, peers, and even unexpected inspirations, like the author who reignited my passion for storytelling.

Whether it’s through attending industry events, leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn, or simply striking up conversations in unexpected places, networking can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development. As I continue to grow and evolve in my career, I remain grateful for the opportunities and friendships that networking has brought into my life.

Remember, the key to effective networking is to be genuine, stay curious, and always be open to learning. The connections you build today could be the gateway to your dream job or a new passion tomorrow. Keep connecting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep growing.