The importance of industry participation and Networking

CCF SA COMMITTEES

The importance of industry participation and networking: Are you getting involved?

Do you participate in industry networking? Why do you? Why don’t you?

What is networking? As defined in the dictionary, networking is ‘the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts’. Why should I do that, you may ask? What if I don’t want to develop business contacts? What if that’s not part of my job? Why should I care? What if I don’t have time to waste on chatting to people?

Networking is your chance to get involved. Take ownership of your development, professionally and personally, and join in. There is a large variety of positive outcomes from networking. It gives you a chance to create new connections. You might meet people who are interested in the business that you work in and the services that you provide. Networking might also create career opportunities or perhaps provide an environment to find yourself a mentor or mentee. Sometimes a simple chat with someone new can expose vast opportunities, including referrals and increased business. You may have heard the term ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’. This reflects the importance of connections and making yourself visible. Networking events create an opportunity to meet and talk to people who might otherwise be difficult to pin down.

Remember, there is ALWAYS something to learn. You don’t know what you don’t know. What steps can you take to expand your knowledge? How can you contribute to our industry? I want you to carefully consider this. What value can you bring to the civil industry, outside of your day job? Can you help someone else? Mentor and dispense knowledge to someone who is willing to learn? On the flip side, are you looking

to develop your own skills and wish that someone would spend some time coaching you on what they know?

Have you considered your personal brand? What image do you project to your peers and to the industry? Personal branding relates to how you market yourself. It is a reflection of you, including your combination of skills, values and presence. Your personal brand also reflects on the business brand. When you’re attending networking functions, remember that you’re not just representing your workplace or business, you’re representing yourself. Increase your confidence in speaking to new people by participating regularly.

Add value to your organisation through networking. If you are a business owner, recognise the value of sending your staff members to events and functions. This is a reflection of your business brand and creates a positive impression to others in the industry. Work with your staff on their personal brand and how they represent your business. Encourage people to get involved if they want to. As a business owner, this is also a great way to keep engaged with a talent pool of skilled workers who may be looking for new opportunities in the future.

Embrace collaboration. Another dictionary definition: collaboration is ‘the action of working with someone to produce something’. What does that even mean, you might say? The outcomes and opportunities are endless! Collaboration is once again about getting involved. How can you work with others for positive outcomes? Do you do this already? Can you do it more? The construction industry in its entirety is slowly but surely moving toward a digital revolution, where collaboration will be of the upmost importance and working together will become significantly easier. The benefits are boundless.

I am a person who thrives on opportunity. I throw myself at any chance to learn, engage and develop. I have been lucky to have the support of my employers to attend networking functions and events, but I also have a personal drive that makes me want to continually seek out more chances to get involved and meet inspiring people in the industry. I have a strong ambition to help others, which is why I am involved with many industry groups and associations. I seek out ways to better myself and to see others excel. I strive to have a positive influence on others and on the industry overall.

The last benefit that I would like to add about networking, is friendship. You have the opportunity to meet others and develop long lasting friendships with people who have likeminded interests. Many friendships have formed from networking, and the first step those people took, was to get involved.

Written by Carly Zanini