Professional Networking Enters the 21st Century
Thanks to social media, the way we build professional relationships is changing rapidly.
Technology has progressed at a rapid pace over the past 15 years, impacting virtually every aspect of our lives. Forbes contributor Michael Simmons considers how the technological advancements we’ve made in the 21st century have specifically impacted the way that we network. In today’s economy, extroverts are no longer dominating the marketplace -- introverts, who are increasingly hireable according to Fortune, are also taking on positions of power. But considering how essential networking is to success, how are socially reserved employees rising through the ranks? The answer is simple: through online social networking.
How Networking Has Changed
In many ways, as Simmons points out, modern networking has veered away from traditional best practices. At this point, networking is just as much about shaking hands at a conference as it is about maintaining an expansive online community. Networking is no longer a one-on-one endeavor, instead transitioning into the realm of collaboration. As Simmons muses, “for centuries, Western society has celebrated the individual. Perhaps, we are at the beginning of a period where we celebrate what we do together, not alone.”
It’s important to note, however, that bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to your professional network. Although the adage “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” certainly rings true, knowing more people doesn’t necessarily equate to knowing the right people, according to the Harvard Business Review.
While a much larger network of connections is now accessible thanks to the massive proliferation of social networking sites in recent years, business people need to ensure that they’re using the right tools to approach this network. Although social or online networking may offer benefits that traditional networking does not, you ultimately need both types of networking to build long-lasting, meaningful business relationships. The key, according to Inc., is not only to build a large network via online interactions, but to then take those interactions into real life, building solid, lasting relationships in real time.
How Social Media Facilitates Network Connections
Social media has undoubtedly been the catalyst for many of the changes networking has undergone in the last sixteen years. As Entrepreneur points out, social media is a powerful way to reach thousands of potential clients and business connections with just the click of a button. The term “social network,” however, can often be misleading: although platforms like Facebook and Twitter grant users access to a nearly limitless audience, simply clicking “add friend” does very little to spark -- or sustain -- a real relationship.
Thus, effective networking in the 21st century requires the dissolution of boundaries between social media and in-person interaction. This is where location-based social apps like Netaround come in. Netaround is looking to change the face of social media by bringing social networks into the real world as seamlessly as possible.
To achieve this goal, Netaround lets its users create highly customizable, location-based groups called “Zones.” In these Zones, which each represent a particular community or interest, users can chat, send photos, and see who else is in the area. What does that look like in practical terms? For instance: say you’re going to a local networking event. If the venue (or one of the tech-savvy networkers in attendance) sets up a group on Netaround, you’ll be able to see who else is in attendance, gauge what you might have in common, and chat with other users. Each user creates a profile with relevant personal information, enabling you to enter every conversation with a sense of who you’re talking to, and what you’d like to say.
In a rapidly changing world and an evolving marketplace, new technologies like Netaround actively facilitate the transition between online acquaintances and real-life connections. After all, in an increasingly global economy, authentic professional connections are more essential than ever before.
