When starting any career, the most valuable asset you can develop is a network of people both within your field and outside of it. The connections you make every step of the way, no matter how small, no matter who they are, will provide you with some snippet of wisdom that will serve you well in due course. The best advice I gave my intern was never turn down an opportunity to talk to someone, especially when an invitation comes your way. We do not grow in a vacuum; we are the product of our environment and every person we meet.
As an introvert, “networking” for me means sharing well-written articles, posting stunning images to social media and providing provocative memes that start a conversation and provoke people’s hearts and minds. When you put yourself out there, good things happen eventually.
I prefer the term relationship building over “networking,” which can have a forced connotation. Building professional relationships facilitates the exchange of ideas, information sharing and uncovers opportunity. Doing this early in your career can yield long-term benefits. I’ve had the pleasure of reconnecting with colleagues from more than 10 years ago and have been able to develop mutual success as a result. People tend to gravitate toward relationships they’ve invested in. In fact, you’d be surprised at just how far relationship building can take you when someone you’ve connected with passes along a recommendation to another colleague of theirs.
For me, networking is all about learning and connecting. Having the opportunity to talk with the trailblazers in our industry, as well as those who are out in front creating solutions to problems—the innovators—inspires me. We have infinite resources at our fingertips, online places where we can find answers to any and all questions. However, it’s the gathering together within peer groups and attending industry events that creates connection. Connections I’ve made throughout the years have shaped me as a person and have also deeply influenced Plants Creative as a company!
Based on my experience, networking creates opportunities for mentoring, connecting and learning from people in my field. It is also an excellent avenue for fresh ideas that can lead to personal growth and development. Lastly, networking is a great place to improve your communication skills. There have been instances where jobseeking individuals get a once-in-a-life opportunity due to networking, hence I will say NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. In your early career, networking gives you and your brand the chance to get noticed, which in turn helps your career journey and growth.
I have a trusted circle of people in the industry that I regularly speak to about diverse topics such as market conditions, consumer preferences, production planning, logistics and operational practices. These relationships have been built over my 30-plus years in the industry. Every nursery has its own culture and way of doing things. These connections allow me to see another point of view and are of great value, as it gives me more perspective, insight and information than I would have thinking through these topics alone.
Whenever times have been rough, whether it be a loss of a job or a slowing economy, is when I have been able to glean the most benefits out of my network. Without a network, you really are at a disadvantage and can feel quite alone even for someone with introverted tendencies like myself. The amount of talent and resources that your connections have and are willing to share may astound you. I have found that people tend to do business with people they like but ultimately give more business to the people they know and trust. A network helps. As for advice, I recommend not forcing it. The best connections I have made through the years have been initiated very organically. Also, whether you realize it or not, you are always networking. It is surprising the amount of crossover between personal and professional networks you end up with. The earlier you start integrating your networking behaviors, the more your network will begin to take on a life of its own. One key thing is not only using your network for personal gain. Oftentimes, the strength with your connections comes from when you connect two people who previously were strangers.