This document discusses the importance of professional networking and building your professional brand. It defines networking as building mutually beneficial relationships that can lead to new career opportunities and strengthening your reputation. The document recommends engaging in both in-person and online networking through various organizations and platforms like LinkedIn. It provides tips for developing your professional brand online, building relationships both online and offline, and maintaining your network through follow ups and giving back.

1. By: Claudio De La Parra

2.  Your professional brand is an essential
component of your online and offline
networking efforts. It answers the question
“Who am I as a professional”

3.  Networking is the art of building mutually
beneficial relationships. It is the best way to
identify new career opportunities and
strengthen your professional reputation and
brand. By engaging in face-to-face and online
networking activities, you are paving the way
to your next career. Start engaging in your
future by growing and strengthening your
network.

4.  Approximately 80% of jobs are in the non-advertised
"hidden job market."
 Employers are more likely to interview someone
whose work and reputation they know, either directly
or indirectly.
 You learn about career opportunities, work
environments, best practices, hot topics and challenges,
and key players in your career field.
 You can showcase information, accomplishments,
passions, and skills that might not arise in an
interview.
 You strengthen your professional reputation or
"brand."

5.  Start by taking an inventory of people you
already know, as they might be important
contacts or know others who can benefit you.
Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and
supervisors via e-mail, phone, or LinkedIn to
let them know what you are seeking.

6.  • Alumni organizations
 • Classes
 • Clubs, such as hobby groups or fitness facilities
 • Former workplace contacts
 • Friends
 • Neighbors
 • Participants in conferences, seminars, or workshops
 • Political groups
 • Professional associations
 • Relatives
 • Service professionals: attorneys, accountants, doctors, dentists,
insurance agents, pharmacists, realtors, travel agents,
veterinarians
 • Volunteer service organizations

7.  • Facebook
 • Google+
 • Meetup.com
 • LinkedIn
 • Twitter

8.  Social media sites can be fun, but
they also allow you to showcase
your brand and grow your network.
We recommend to review your
social media to ensure your online
image is professional and an asset to
your job search.

9.  LinkedIn is the top online professional
networking site. It allows you to connect
globally with other professionals, join groups,
share ideas and information, follow companies,
and search for jobs. It also helps others seeking
talent to find you.

10.  Develop your brand. Think about what makes you stand out in
your current or desired career field.
 Clean up your online image. Conduct a simple internet search of
your name to see what is currently out there. Remember, if people
can find it, it is a part of your brand.
 Build relationships offline. Professional associations,
volunteering, and connecting with your community will quickly
expand your network.
 Build relationships online. Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and blogs
are great social media tools to showcase expertise and expand
your network.
 Tailor your LinkedIn profile. Learn how to create a LinkedIn
account. Complete your profile to 100% and tailor your headline
and summary.

11.  Target your efforts. Take time to set networking
goals and reflect upon your progress.
 Share your passion. When you meet someone new,
it is your opportunity to share your passion toward
your field.
 Show gratitude. Send a thank-you note when a
professional goes out of his or her way to meet with
you.
 Follow up. Set a date when you will follow up with
people in your network to maintain your
relationships.
 Give back to your network. Once you have
established your network, pay it forward and be a
mentor for others!

12. Inside of me is infinite power, my journey ahead of
me is full of endless possibility, around me is
unlimited probabilities. I must use my mental,
physical and spiritual
strength to accomplish it all!
~Claudio De La Parra~