This is one if the definitions of a Professional Network from my reader, from further research here are some more definitions i have found.
“Professional networking” is networking conducted with a specific plan, or goal, in mind. That plan, or goal, is specific to the individual doing the networking but will vary, depending on the nature of the networking event that is taking place."
http://www.networking-in-business.com/business-networking/professional-networking/
Here is a link to peoples personal views on what Professional Networking is:
http://www.linkedin.com/answers/professional-development/professional-networking/PRO_PNT/970489-10197795
Robert Axelrod (1984) When should a person cooperate, and when should a person be selfish, in an ongoing interaction with another person? Should a friend keep providing favours to another friend who never reciprocates?
Axelrod researched the 'Game Theory' 'succeeding at another's expense', 'cooperating till maximum benefit then to defect'. Cooperation is related to this, working with someone in the same business as you who could help you get to the next step. Most people would say they have worked with people who are only out for themselves, they will be nice as pie till they get what they want but if it was to be the other way round they may not help you. I definitely have encountered this many times especially in the business i am in. I feel cooperation is a key thing when networking as the saying goes 'If you scratch my back i'll scratch yours'
Affiliation ' A network of support that will help us when we are in need' (Crisp and Turner 2007)
Crisp and Turner's idea that we all engage in affiliation is very true. As a teenager i know i am very happy when i am with my friends who share the same interests as me, and these are the people who i would fall back on if i ever needed anything. Communicating with these people and others is the best way to achieve something when in need. 'According to evolutionary psychologists, our tendency to seek out others and form close relationships is an inherited trait that helps us survive and reproduce'. people and certainly young adults my age like to know they belong to something so this statement is something a lot of people can relate to.
Affiliation can be defined as a positive, sometimes intimate, personal relationship
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need_for_affiliation
Affiliation is a very important part of networking and something we will use throughout our lives.
These are the two theories i understand best and use most when networking.
Expand on that last sentence - you can anonymise when you talk about specific jobs- but link these ideas more specifically to what you do... also are there any other ideas that you use to help you? What about ideas about linking with global communities?
ReplyDeleteHello Afi, I also believe that Co-operation is important for every professional. It can help to develop a close network of friends and colleagues. I remain cautious of others however, due to other people's reasons for co-operating. I have experienced dishonesty in the past and personally dislike the "game playing" tactic used by some. If everyone in the profession were honest and true there would be no facade. Unfortunately "If you scratch my back i'll scratch yours" only works as long as the other person wishes to co-operate and not to "stab you in the back" for selfish reward.
ReplyDeleteI found your link to 'Linkedin" informative and inspirational. It was interesting to read other people's views on social networking. Many who are professionals themselves, eg Ben M a project manager, Marion N an Entrepreneur, and Paul N a Philanthropic adviser and a networking specialist. Paul N believes that connecting is the most important method of sharing ideas with people in order to move forward. He thinks that the internet enables you to do this
"How does Linkedin help? By connecting you with people you already know helps you keep in touch, increase contact and referrals because this address book updates itself".
I had not considered my social networking on sites such as Facebook and Blog to be address books before reading this. I would like to add that without these sites we would be limited by connecting with only those people we see on a regular basis at work or social gatherings (more constructivism). Do you also use constructivism, creating meaning through social interaction, as a process of forming affiliation?