Networker (Netwerker)

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A networker is someone who specializes in creating and maintaining offline and online contacts. Networking is important for business and entrepreneurs and is common. A good networker knows what is important and works in a targeted manner, without only getting better from networking. Networking is give and take, such as sharing contacts and information, which can be important for both parties. Within the business community, many large and small networking drinks are organized annually at various levels to connect entrepreneurs, managers and other professionals. These can be general networking drinks or more specialized industry-oriented networking drinks. A true networker is generally specialized in finding new possible relationships and specializes in maintaining and expanding existing networks. Networking in a good way can be useful for entrepreneurs with regard to obtaining new contacts, relationships and possible assignments. The profession of networker must be seen as fairly general, because every entrepreneur can be regarded as a networker. The networking does not have to involve special network meetings, because actually every entrepreneur is networking on a daily basis. Networking is important for every entrepreneur, because networking can create new opportunities as an entrepreneur. It is not the case that a networker only needs to have commercial interests to attend network meetings. Consider, for example, the acquisition of new knowledge or trends that can help the networker in question. Gaining new relationships can also be important without further commercial interest. In addition, networking does not have to relate to entrepreneurs. Think, for example, of job seekers and fair presentations for employees.

A networker is therefore specialized in networks that can be done in different ways. In most cases, it is important to regularly attend various network meetings. Networking should not be seen as a quick way to get more assignments. Networking is all about sharing knowledge, information and building lasting relationships of trust. In general, entrepreneurs will want to see and speak to each other several times before possible deals are closed. A good networker is therefore not a fast representative who wants to score. Building and maintaining a good network takes a lot of time and not all new contacts will be equally successful, because people and companies have to strengthen each other. In order to build a good network, it is important that there is mutual interaction between parties, without one party trying to exploit the other party. As described earlier, there are different types of network meetings, all of which may have a different purpose. Think, for example, of conference meetings for networking and so-called job fairs, where job seekers can get acquainted with various companies and organizations. So it's not that networking is all about business-to-business. Networking is also common when we speak of lobbying.

FIRST IMPRESSION

The first impression during networking is the most important impression. New networkers are generally wise to get introduced when this opportunity exists. Existing networkers can help enormously in introducing new networkers, making the first step a lot easier. In addition, it is wise to do your homework so that important questions can be answered, such as which people exactly come to the network meeting and what function do these people have exactly. A network meeting is not a quick sales meeting and the forced attempt to sell or offer services can be misconstrued by other entrepreneurs.

Networking is about lasting relationships and not about quick sales pitches. Other networkers are generally more interested in your vision and general entrepreneurial qualities than in your services. When there is a click between the networkers, the sales pitches will be discussed later, such as during a two or third meeting. Wanting to get to business too quickly as an entrepreneur during network meetings is a mistake that is fairly often made by entrepreneurs.

ONLINE PRESENCE

An important part of networking is your online presence via your own website and other social media. Also in your online activities it is important to show that you are active as an entrepreneur and share your information via your own website or other media. For example, think of photo folders with the latest assignments combined with a work description, so that other people quickly see what you do exactly. Not being present online as an entrepreneur is no longer possible nowadays, because people and companies first look for background information before they approach someone. In addition, it is important to provide complete and up-to-date information as an entrepreneur. It often happens that information is outdated or incomplete, which does not come across as professional.

WHAT DOES A NETWORKER DO:

TRAINING TO BECOME A NETWORKER

A suitable programme for a networker can be the Hbo programme Communication or the Hbo programme Commercial Economics. At MBO level, this can be the junior account manager course. Everyone can network, so a suitable training cannot simply be indicated. Those who want to learn to network are very wise to follow a course or short training that is offered everywhere. There are also plenty of courses for online networking, which can certainly contribute to successful networking. Accounting is also important as an independently working networker.

COMPANIES WHERE A NETWORKER CAN WORK

A networker can work for different companies, organizations and institutions. In addition, a networker does not have to be active in business, because everyone can be classified as a networker. In a general sense, a networker can in many cases be regarded as an entrepreneur or as a director. Other professionals who can be regarded as networkers fairly often include account managers, representatives, commercial employees and fundraisers. As described earlier, networking does not have to relate to business-to-business. Jobseekers, students and volunteers can also be regarded as networkers in some cases.

COMPETENCES NETWORKER

The competencies that a networker must have may differ per networker, but in general communication can be regarded as the most important competence. Communication does not only relate to being able to talk fluently, but also to being able to listen well. Another important competence can be negotiating if it comes to possible deals. Connecting can also be seen as an important competence. Think, for example, of bringing different people into contact with each other. Generally important words are motivation, energy, sobriety, planning, organizing, inspiration, analytical, performance, passion and insight. Insight mainly relates to effective networking. In other words, it's important to get in touch with the right people.

LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A NETWORKER

As a networker, you don't really have anything to do with a labour market perspective, but this can vary per person. An account manager will have more to do with networking within his position than a painter or roofer. A good networker generally has sufficient career opportunities, depending on his position and possible employer. Networking is important for all entrepreneurs and a good networker is therefore very popular. For example, a professional networker can also act as a guest speaker during network meetings. In general, a networker will have nothing to do with possible career opportunities.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY NETWORKER

There are no examples of specific employment conditions, because as a networker you can be active for various types of companies. In addition, a networker can be an independent entrepreneur and carry out the network work in addition to his regular work. It is not possible to give a salary indication for this profession, because for most people networking is part of doing business and has nothing to do with the salary.

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