Business network

From Free net encyclopedia

A business network can be defined as a group of people that have some kind of commercial relationship. It could be a boss-employee, buyer-supplier, colleague-colleague, etc.

An interesting approach is the one used by LinkedIn, openBC, IKarma, Wireless World Forum and ReferNet, in which the Internet is used to connect people with more than 1 degree of separation.

According to experts, business networking functions best when individuals offer to help others to find connections, rather than "cold-calling" on prospects themselves. Business networking can take place outside of traditional business environments. For example, public places such as airports, restaurants, and movie line-ups provide opportunities to make new business contacts if an individual has good social skills.


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Networking as A Systematic Activity

Networking consists of exchanging information and establishing personal connections. People network in many different settings: on the telephone, in hallways, in company lunchrooms, at professional conferences, at trade shows, company meetings, classrooms, lounges, hallways, elevators, airplanes, trains, busses, hotel lobbies and waiting rooms. Some networking is carefully planned and some just happens. Networking is friendly, low-key and essential in our complex society.

People network to: advance their careers, advance their own business, to increase their impact on the world and to improve their social lives. This discussion will focus on the first objective: career advancement. See Networking for details and examples.

  • Phase 1: Preparation
    • Evaluating one's career situation
    • Preparing one's "Accomplishments File (AF)"
    • Preparing a résumé
    • Obtaining information and making contacts
  • Phase 2: Basic Networking
    • Friends and family
    • Networking with alumni
    • Networking (cautiously) within one's employing organization
    • Attending professional meetings
    • Participating in professional organizations
  • Phase 3. Advanced Networking
    • Giving presentations
    • Publishing articles
    • Organizing a blog and/or a website
    • Arranging information interviews
    • Sending a broadcast letter
    • Using headhunters and employment agencies
  • Phase 4. Continuing to Network




Also see Chief Networking Officer

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