As an executive with a stable career, you might feel that you’ve put in the hard work
and paid your networking dues. Attending after-work events just isn’t high up on your priority list anymore. Here’s why you should grab your business cards and get ready to mingle:
“You never know what your next challenge or job is going to be.”
-Erin O’Brien, Assistant Dean, Director of Graduate Programs at The University at Buffalo
Many executives today have the mindset that social media and email will do the networking for them. When I spoke to Erin O’Brien, Assistant Dean and Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Management at the University at Buffalo, she had this to say, “Face-to-face is important. The Internet will never take the place of human interaction; social media is just an enhancement. The quality of your relationships are what bear fruit in the future”. In other words, people still want to do business with people.
During our discussion, Ms. O’Brien pointed out that it is important to not become stagnant in one position or social circle. You need to network to keep yourself, and your business, relevant. The age-old saying still holds true; it’s not about who you know, but who knows you.
You can network anywhere and everywhere. The Executive MBA program at the University at Buffalo is a great way to continue your education and network with other business professionals from various industries.
In other words, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in your career. Get out there and shake some hands.