The Future of Networking — Predictions from a Networking App Entrepreneur

Career Trends: June 23, 2022
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS

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Content Credit:

• Article by Keith West, published on entrepreneur.com. Original article link.

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One of the most significant challenges that both established and new entrepreneurs face is connecting with the right people and curating a genuine business network that will lead to mutually beneficial growth and progress. The saying goes for all industries worldwide, “It’s not always what you know, but who you know.”

Networking is a sharing process; an invaluable opportunity to connect, build and amplify. By expanding your network, you can increase awareness for your project/brand, grow your profits, secure investment and so much more.

As tech becomes ever more embedded in our day-to-day interactions, networking will look very different in the near future. In fact, it’s beginning to look quite different already.

Networking in the metaverse

• The metaverse is here for the long-haul. Large organisations, such as JP Morgan, HSBC, American Express and Qualcomm, are all hopping on the Metaverse rocket ship with no signs of slowing down.
• So, what is it about the Metaverse that makes it so attractive to the world? The simple explanation is: Humans crave connection and new technology. Pair the two together, and you get a simulated digital environment that uses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and blockchain, along with concepts from social media, to create spaces for rich user interaction mimicking the real world.
• Prediction is that networking in the Metaverse is going to become the norm across all industries worldwide.
• However, despite our pull to the metaverse, there is something unique about the bonds built through personal interaction. As we submerge ourselves more in tech-based interaction, those moments of personal interaction will increase in value.

Different channels to network

• Over the last 20 years, the most viable option for professional networking has been LinkedIn.
• There is no doubt that this has been an valuable resource, but more organisations are looking at other, more effective and purpose-driven ways to gather people to connect.
• It’s not just about networking — it’s about networking with the right people, at the right time, in the right way.
• It is predicted, as the world starts recovering from the pandemic, after a period of longing for personal interaction, networking in all forms is going to see an increased boom — larger than what the 21st century has ever seen.

Increased international travel to connect

• Networking is heading for expansion both locally and globally. We are all eager to connect in person after almost three years of lockdowns and social distancing.
• More and more individuals will be travelling internationally for in-person meetings to share ideas and close business deals.
• Networking and having a space (virtually and otherwise) to do this is imperative, especially as we’re seeing the world innovate at an exponential rate.
• Having a one-stop-shop to connect startups with like-minded brands and businesses, offering advice and connections to help guide and support individuals on their entrepreneurial journey, is essential.
• We see the importance of bridging the gap between just an idea and a successful project/venture/product, and that is where networking comes in.

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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?

3 tips for a ‘hyper-focused’ resume to grab recruiters’ attention at a job fair

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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)

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