Relationship Marketing – It’s Who You Know!

Using Networking and Social Media to aid in Career Advancement

Relationship marketing is an individual’s ability to market themselves for personal or professional growth through they relationships build. How successful an individual is in building relationships is dependent upon initiative, drive, and the desire to succeed. If an individual is proactive, their network will be readily available when needed.

Networking is communicating amongst peers to build connections. Do you ever wonder how you are going to get that next job? How can I get a promotion? Or even what career path should I take? Especially in today’s economy these questions and many more pop into the minds of most of us whether employed, unemployed, or a student working on furthering their education. We network for referrals in business, to obtain jobs, find the right schools, doctors, etc.

Part of networking is an individual’s willingness to openly communicate and get to know new individuals. Each new day brings the opportunity for new journeys and new encounters. Take the time to say hello to the person standing and waiting in line at the grocery store or ask the cashier how their day is going. Do not take for granted who you are speaking to, for as the old saying goes “never judge a book by it’s cover”. Although that person may not be the right one at the right time, we live in a small world and often meet people from the past in the future.

In today’s global economy, we must use the technological tools at our fingertips. Social media is continuing to expand in its diversity. Take a peak at the individuals you are connected to and browse through their list of connections. Maybe there is an old friend on the list who you were unable to locate on your own. Or, maybe you see someone who works for a company/industry you have an interest in. Whether the contacts we have in mind are a direct connection or maybe a close friend from the past has an acquaintance in the field we are interested in, we must take advantage of what is in our own hands and that is the ability to network. Social media is was of the fastest and easiest ways to start your network, no matter the purpose.

To build a strong network, an individual must have faith in themselves, as well as patience. “Good things come, to those who wait” is definitely true, but I prefer to say, “Great things come to those who strive to achieve!” Do not forget, initiative, drive, and the desire to succeed can be the keys to success for your prosperous future. So start talking, tweeting, and creating new connections today!