Forward Janesville - TheReport - Fourth Quarter 2021

What is the last networking event you attended? Did you hand out a business card? You know that nice glossy recycled 2” x 3.5” piece of paper with all your contact information on it? Were you prepared to deliver your unvarnished “elevator speech”, or were you caught off guard when someone asked you a question with an unrehearsed answer? The difference between networking today and 20 years ago has changed exponentially, but the results are arguably the same. Or are they? Twenty years ago, the internet was still new(ish)— something that was full of possibility and widely unexplored for business networking purposes. Today, with more than four billion users, [Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter], the possibilities are seemingly endless. Yet, in this age of social networking, making an offline personal connection has become even more critical. Knowing how to effectively network in-person is a priceless career development tool with the potential to help you forge new business relationships and cultivate trust. In short, networking is not about selling, but about building relationships. That said, online networking does have its advantages. Where else can you make more connections in a week than you would in a year of boots-on-the-ground networking? Also, let us not forget that you can expand your reach around the world in minutes! Still, there is something to be said for quality over quantity, and there is tangible value in making a face-to-face connection. After all, what good is your networking really if it consists of mostly people with whom you never physically interact? While online networking provides a great first impression and an unintimidating first contact to ease you into meeting face-to-face, you still need to plan a time and place to meet in person. Maximize the best of both worlds. With technology on the rise and social networking sites being created at every turn, the question remains has in-person networking faded into the background? No . . . not at Forward Janesville. Just because we live in a digital age does not mean that face-to-face networking should be tossed aside. Let’s be honest, a digital profile in a sea of millions is still not very memorable. You need to stand out and make it a priority to attend networking events. There are obvious benefits to online and in-person networking but being able to look someone in the eyes and shake their hand can never be replicated online. Striking a healthy balance between the two mediums will go a long way toward developing a reputable professional profile that lets your personality shine through and makes a significant impact on your career. networking [ ‘ netw ə rkiNG] NOUN The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. Jenny Tschudy • Membership Development, Marketing & Events Director • jennyt@forwardjanesville.com