I’m pretty sure we all hear so much about networking these days. Networking is like building your own Wi-Fi connection in the tech industry, the stronger your signal (relationships), the better your access to opportunities, insights, and collaborations. You don’t need to know everyone, just the right nodes to stay connected, updated, and empowered.
In tech, I strongly believe in the power of community. You can’t live life alone, hence the skill or art of networking is very essential. Networking open doors to mentorships, collaborations, job offers and a simple way to begin networking if you don’t know where to start from is to leverage on social media especially if you’re the introverted type. Another way is attending physical events. Now, I’m not saying you should go on to talk to everybody and anybody. If you want to network, you have to start from the people around you. Start from the people within your reach. Of course, you might be able to reach out to CEOs and big tech influencers but it usually doesn’t come easy because they have their own people already. Look around you, try to study or pick out one or 2 people you think you might resonate with and strike a conversation with them. I’m pretty sure they’re there to meet and talk to people also and they are looking forward to it but might not be able to make the first move like you. This post, I believe will make you see things differently. Make the move if they won’t. Approach in a manner that would make them feel comfortable responding to you but do not overwhelm them with so many questions.
I was at an event in November 2024 and I was sort of listening to this guy sitting beside me as he engaged someone on his other side. I was surprised when he immediately turned to me and said “Hi, my name is Musa and I’m a fullstack developer. What’s your name”? I was amused and although I didn’t see that coming but I already had it at the back of my mind to strike a conversation with him because I was half listening to his conversation with the other person. It started in easy for me and I also met new people I started conversations with and up till this moment, we are very cool. They have helped in sharing links about updates in tech that have been beneficial. These guys know better as they have been in the tech space longer than I have been and we don’t even have to talk all the time but that way, I have established my network. If meeting people physically proves to be a hassle for you then try social media with the same strategy above. Simply observe. Read people’s profile, follow, checkout their timeline, their manner of interaction and then, you would know already if they’re the kind of people you want to build a connection with. Join online communities and be active, slide into people’s DMs but be very clear while stating your purpose. No long paragraphs.
Networking is way beyond trying to collaborate so you can get better opportunities. It is about getting to connect with people on a deeper level trying to get to know the real them while building a surface level relationship with them. Respect them, boundaries, give back to your network or community and see how the relationship thrive into a strong bond automatically.
Learn the act of following up after receiving assistance from your network. Ensure you grow together with your peers because your friends today become great networks tomorrow. Lastly, stay genuine and be ready to learn from anyone always.
Article By:
Abioye Rahmat
