ABSTRACT
Networking is both an art and a science. It has the overall purpose of building professional relationships. Networking, at its core, is an exchange between two people and typically involves the cultivation of long-term and productive relationships. Because networking is a process that nurtures the exchange of information and ideas among individuals, it can facilitate learning and development. Although networking is a ubiquitous tool and it is often informal. Those who engage in networking rarely prepare with structure and forethought. Chapter 5 discusses how to approach networking with a definitive purpose to develop self-identified needs for prioritized competencies. Building and cultivating professional relationships can influence the quality of your work and have a positive impact on your performance. The chapter discusses the differences between networking inside and outside an organization as well as with family and friends. Sources for networking are identified, and traditional networking as compared to a self-directed learning perspective of networking is presented.
