I believe in networking
Kobus Windt, Leader of Doxa Deo Church in Hartbeespoort / Chairman of the Hartbeespoort Christian Forum.
“Other than my faith in God and the word of God as the foundation upon which I build my life, I am a true believer of networking,” he laughs. “I think a lot of people make the mistake by confusing networking with selling, but it is about building long-term relationships and a good reputation over time. It involves meeting and getting to know people who you can assist, and who can potentially help you in return. It is a process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. Networking includes everyone from friends and family to work colleagues, business connections, social networks and members of groups or organizations which you belong to.”
I believe networking is part of my success in ministry.
“Networking helps me to develop and improve my skill set and to stay on top of trends in technology that have become so vital for ministry. It helps me to meet prospective stakeholders and to collaborate with them and even to gain access to resources that can impact both community and society.”
Here are my top 5 tips to successful networking.
- Strong CONNECTIONS
Networking is based on sharing, not taking. Connections are strengthened by creating trust. Helping others reach their goals by regularly engaging with them and finding opportunities to assist them helps strengthen relationships. In this way you sow the seeds for reciprocal assistance when you need help to achieve your goals.
- Getting FRESH IDEAS
Your network can be an excellent source of new perspectives and ideas. Exchanging information on challenges, experiences and goals allows you to gain new insights. Similarly, offering helpful ideas within your network is an excellent way to build your reputation as an innovative thinker.
- Access to OPPORTUNITIES
Actively expanding your networking contacts can open doors to new opportunities for business, career advancement, personal growth or simply new knowledge. Active networking increases the likelihood of receiving introductions to potentially relevant people or even a referral.
- Inter-connected-ness = more KNOWLEDGE
Networking allows for an exchange of best practice knowledge and a wide network of informed, interconnected contacts, means broader access to valuable information.
- Gaining the advice of experienced peers is an important benefit of networking.
- Discussing common challenges and opportunities opens the door to valuable suggestions.
- Offering genuine assistance sets a strong foundation for receiving back when you need it.
- Gain PERSPECTIVE
It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of your professional realm and end up in a rut but talking to others can help you view a situation with fresh eyes. Asking for opinions from others whom you trust or admire can help you see things in a new light and overcome roadblocks that you might not have known how to bypass otherwise.
The more you network, the more you will grow and learn how to make lasting connections.
“Putting yourself out there and meeting new people will make you step outside of your comfort zone and build valuable social skills and self-confidence that you can take with you anywhere. Although the goal of networking is to develop and nurture professional relationships, some of the strongest and most long-standing friendships are born from networking,” affirms Kobus.