Collective Wisdom: The Power of Networking

INTRODUCTION

This book highlights the importance of networking. Network groups are groups of people who talk and share ideas, information, and resources and in the process, create great business connections. Sometimes walking into a room full of strangers can bring nervousness. Networking usually involves meeting new people who share a profession, industry, or interests, and more importantly it helps to build professional relationships. Networking opens doors to new opportunities and facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices. Building connections with the right people at the right time is the vital key to networking, which can help to take your career to the next stage. Networking is the process of making connections and building sustainable relationships. Networking clearly broadens one’s horizons by giving a different perspective, another angle to view situations. It brings about fresh ideas that may have eluded you and essentially even brand-new information you were not aware of. The confidence that can be brought by networking is immeasurable. It comes in leaps and bounds. Business Wise, networking is very much capable of increasing visibility and creating brand awareness. It promotes and exposes your brand to others whilst you gain knowledge about other brands, too. Networking also improves enhanced learning and development. There will be an increase in referrals. Being associated with certain people in your network leads to greater exposure. Here’s how this works. If you’re doing networking right, you’ll have instances or opportunities to associate with well-known figures in your industry. That could be through engagement on social platforms, collaborations, and maybe even direct endorsements. In Conclusion, to build the most sustainable network, have a networking plan and create your Goals and your purpose. Set goals to add to your contacts; follow up immediately. Get to know your contacts. Stay connected. Ask questions. Invest time and effort to help others. Nurture your own network, facilitate the meeting of contacts, and invite new people to join.

Endorsement written by Professor Caroline Makaka.

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

Dr. Angeline Benjamin (h.c.), Dr. AnGele Cade (h.c), Virginia Clarke, Dr. Laurie Davis (h.c), Sherrill Franklin, Dr. Mikki St. Germain (h.c), Dr. Vivian A. Haire (h.c.), Dr. Felicia Harris (h.c.), Dr. Raven L. Hilden (h.c), Kristie Jacobo, Carol Latham, Dr. Tyara Lee (h.c.), Dr. Sara M. Lypps (h.c), MBA, Dr. Susie Mierzwik (h.c.), Dr. Ramin Modiri (h.c), Lady Amb. Dr. Robbie Motter (h.c), Christine Park, Dr. Cherie Reynolds (h.c), Arvee Robinson, Dr. Avic Ronquillo-De Castro (h.c), Dr. Kaye Sheffield (h.c), M.S., CCC-SLP, Dr. Deborah Thorne (h.c), Angel Toussaint, Dr. Dorothy Wolons (h.c) Amb. Dr. Joan E. Wakeland (h,c).

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR OF THIS ANTHOLOGY

Amb. Dr. Joan E Wakeland (h.c) is an Author, International Speaker, and an Empowerment Facilitator. Presently, she is the Director of the Riverside affiliate of the Global Society of Female Entrepreneurs in California. Over the years, she has received many Awards including the "The Lifetime Achievement Award" from the last three Presidents of the United States. She also received the "Call to Service" and numerous awards from Senators, Congress & dignitaries. She won the title for Ms. Elegance International in the Woman of Achievement Pageant in September 2021. In December 2021, she was honored as Citizen of the Month by The Mayor and City Delegates for her service to the city of Menifee. Joan has received the "She Inspires Me Award" (SIMA) International Global Award from London, England. In 2022, she was awarded an honorary humanitarian doctorate degree for her service to others. In 2023, she has recently been awarded with an Ambassador of Peace and an Ambassador of Happiness Certification.