This article focuses on why networking is essential for career development in Africa. We have collected this information from reliable sources such as Forbes, Indeed, Small Business, etc.
1. Networking puts you in touch with professionals at all levels
According to Indeed, building relationships with professionals inside and outside your field is a good foundation for success. Getting to the top executives of a company can be daunting, especially in Africa, but networking is the solution. It introduces you to senior and experienced executives in your field and professionals at all levels.
If you want mentorship and career development from experts across the continent, consider networking. You will learn how to share your skills and receive career advice and wisdom for future growth. Plus, you can find a new career mentor just by having a chat on social media or grabbing a quick coffee with a colleague or senior professional.
Knowing professionals from different countries exposes you to career interests and opportunities that can change your life. After you develop a connection with professionals, they can tell you a good word for your next life-changing job. Networking with professionals can take place at social events, sports groups, conferences, college clubs, social media websites, etc.
2. Networking makes you more confident
According to Forbes, networking encourages you to start conversations and learn more about people. A lot of people don’t network because they’re shy or can’t strike up a conversation, but networking isn’t complex. Whether you are introverted or shy, your growth depends on your communication with others. In addition, communicating with people around
Sharing your interests with a new friend or colleague is a perfect way to build trust. Conversations on social media create false self-esteem and are not enough, so step up and mingle. There is more interaction, less pretense, and an understanding of your authentic self and the people around you.
Learning to face your fears when interacting with people will positively affect your career. It helps you express yourself in an acceptable way, especially when chatting with like-minded people. Remember that people will engage if you talk and make them enjoy talking with you. Additionally, having relationships with respected professionals in your field improves your self-esteem.
3. Networking leads to the exchange of ideas and inspiration
According to Indeed, everyone can find inspiration by sharing goals, experiences and challenges when networking. You can share an idea and hear an influx of new perspectives from colleagues and top professionals in your field. When you make a valuable contribution to an existing discussion, your colleagues see you as reliable and knowledgeable. It builds your reputation, creates lifelong friendships, and helps you achieve your career goals.
New ideas can keep you on top of your game and improve your career. Hearing from professionals in various fields can inspire you to adopt new techniques for increased productivity. Whether you work at MTN Group, Safaricom, Dangote Cement, Airtel Africa or Endeavor Mining, the exchange of ideas can inspire innovation.
If you’re having trouble with a project, networking is another way to learn and implement new ideas to solve immediate business growth issues. Sharing your problems with experienced professionals can lead to quick solutions in a short period of time. Additionally, having industry connections with unique perspectives can make you a valuable asset to your business.
4. Networking increases business relationships
According to Small Business, it is natural for networking to increase business relationships because the people around you share a similar motivation. These people have ambitions and do not hesitate to share their contact details. Connecting with like-minded people at events, industry associations or social media across the continent helps you get to know people with similar goals.
You can build effective relationships with senior executives from various industries through a network of connected connections. As a result, you can access broader, new and valuable information. You can gather the information necessary for career advancement and interact with like-minded people, leading to a business.
Remember that you don’t just gain visibility through networking. You make growth connections, even with people in their network. It can quickly become a business if you share a similar ambition and drive with a connection. You can provide expert evidence, exchange ideas or solve problems, which increases your business relationships with networking.