Networking As An Important Skill
Strong and weak ties
Research has shown that 85% of people find (job) opportunities through their weak ties.
Strong ties are the people who you have frequent contact with, who knows your weaknesses and strengths, and who support you in your process. Eg. Mentors, professors, and IFSA friends. Most of your time and energy goes into these relationships, which are very valuable for your personal life.
Weak ties are connections where you have the opportunity to get to know people better in a setting with mutual interests. Tap into these connections to gain opportunities that will help your personal growth and skill development. Eg. IFSA events in a regional or global context, University events, other associations, and internships with IFSA partners.
In the first part of the video, Sabrina explains the weak/strong tie theory in more detail. Afterward, she shares how to put less pressure on ourselves.
Let go of the pressure to have everything mapped out
You don’t have to have it all together now, to have a swing at it!
Like the visualization exercise, you don’t have to focus on the details. Who you are, what you want, where you want to go. Keep your options open with the multiple pathways (the rule of 3). Cherish your experimental framework and keep your options open. This way, you will liberate yourself from the pressure of having it ‘all figured out’.
Whilst networking, be invested, share your opinions but listen to what others are bringing to the conversation. Be attentive whilst listening and try to make an impact when speaking. Bring your own experiences and skill set to the table. Create memorable moments.
Speeches, certain viewpoints on a topic, might resonate with you and serve as an indicator of which direction you want to grow in. Follow the ripple effect and create it yourself. One idea can spark a conversation, a speech, or an event and end up in the decision-making room.
Ted Talk – Two Monkeys Were Paid Unequally
After watching this video, the main takeaway message is: do not compare your path to someone else’s. Stay focused on your passions, follow your internal compass, that vision of your future self. Cultivate your growth process by taking opportunities, experimenting, and building your own leadership style.
