NETWORKING AND ITS ROLE IN SUCCESSFUL LIVING.

Networking is the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

A poet, John Donne once made a famous quote, "No man is an island". This quote means that no one is truly self-sufficient, everyone must rely on the company and comfort of others to thrive.

Everyone has an idea to change the world or create an impact in different ways. 

For this to be actualized, there is a need for an effective connection with people who share in our vision and can contribute different roles to bring about the change. The act of establishing these connections is termed as 'Networking'.

There are a lot of resources in the world, and human resources are an essential part of these.

Human resources cannot be harnessed if there is no relationship. And while associating, there should be a genuine intention and understanding.

Also, there needs to be a destination. An attainable goal and vision on which the association will be based. One that is open to opportunities and can embrace these opportunities.

"Networking is not about just connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities."- Michele Jennae

A lot of successful men who achieved the impact and enacted great changes in their time did not work alone. They employed the power of networking.

They shared their dreams and goals with the people who they believed had the potentials of working with them to bring those dreams to life.

They welcomed contributions from their team members, broke down the ideas gotten, and shared tasks according to each person's ability. In this way, there was a division of labor and everyone had the joy of being actively involved.

With the cooperation existing within the team, they were able to achieve the goal and create change in their environment.

Beyond merely thinking of it, there are skills needed for networking. These skills include; communication, active listening, social skills, nonverbal communication, interpersonal skills, empathy, and positivity.

These are attributes that need to be built and exhibited by each person in a network to aid the strength and growth towards a common goal.

Networking is important as it helps us expand our circles of acquaintances, find out about job opportunities in our different fields, and increase awareness of news and trends in our fields.

One thing to note while building networks is to engage and value the people whose proximity is higher. Look around you, and you will find valuable persons who carry potentials that are needful in achieving a given vision.

Reach out, and engage them. As you work together with those within your range, or within your area of specialization, you are extending your circle. And by the time it gets to your notice, you'd have created a wide interconnection of substantial individuals who are ready to work with you and build your dream goals.

I'll end this piece with a quote by an author, Porter Gale. "Your network is your net worth."

What network are you part of or actively building? You'll need it to achieve whatever vision you have!