In today’s highly competitive and digital era, we are experiencing the need and importance of networking every day. The number of global networking events and conferences has increased recently and they play a vital role in connecting more people who benefit from sharing an ever-increasing pool of resources.  Even The NY Times, one of the most respected and renowned global media houses, organizes live events, and conference offerings year-round.

In Bangladesh, the interest is also growing among diversified groups of people, all vying to be a part of the numerous conversations and relationships. Thanks to a few creative minds putting their heart and soul into bringing out quality networking events across the nation, this interest is being satiated. Their efforts to connect the youth with the experienced through dialogue and engagement are helping the community to grow together.

However, there is still some misperception about attending or engaging in these sorts of networking sessions. Taking selfies or exchanging sudden greetings with influential individuals might not always leave meaningful impacts on your networking trail. Our country is definitely steaming forward at an immense speed and also being competitive, at the same time. Thus, what matters most is how your core expertise and business trails are being benefited through networking efforts. Often our youth lose important time while dwelling in the irrelevant fields, which I understand, they address as exploring, but I blame not targeting the right triggers needed. This happens because we elders often forget our do(s). Also consulting the youth might not always be framed as an easy task. Before planning how to explore options, the youth might find it handy to count where not to place their core focus.

Hence, here are a few tips for the youth who want to be a part of effective networking sessions:

1.Networking begins from the root:

We are all busy searching for the next upcoming networking events and planning our engagement in those events. But one of the most precious networking avenues that we miss is our family. “Many young people don’t leverage their parents,” says Lorne Epstein, a D.C.-based recruiter, career counselor, and author of You’re Hired. “Your parents are generally your biggest supporters,” Epstein tells eFinancialCareers. “They’ve been working for 15, 20, or 30 years and they’ve got an incredible Rolodex.” It’s high time we look into this most easily accessible but most precious networking avenue, which also includes our friends and relatives.

2.You don’t have to attend every event:

An individual needs to know why this or that particular session is important for him. How much it is relevant for his personal growth or business growth. Though networking is free in most cases, it is important to find out the right event with like-minded individuals to have the right conversations in place. Eventually, it’s the right conversation and gradual relation that leads to the ultimate goal.

3.You don’t have to meet every individual:

The objectives of attending networking sessions vary from person to person. However, seeking information regarding the job market and finding business leads are two very common purposes. Sometimes the youth with these objectives feel the necessity of meeting every individual during the networking sessions. But it is very important to know how the whole process works. Every fruitful relationship must start with a meaningful conversation. For having a meaningful and quality conversation, it is important to attend to a select group of people rather than putting effort to meet everyone and taking selfies.

Life is short, so is your time. Remember, every other time you talk to someone, it counts. Don’t forget you are responsible for your actions; there should be well-decided steps as for places you want to be and people you talk to. Do not underestimate yourself as every action you take has an impact. An idle or irrelevant conversation might not lose you a thing but often fails to get you forward. Even the topics and the words you choose while carrying out conversations define you to the others. Being cautious and planning thus helps. Making mistakes is a part of being a human, so address the thin line between being cautious and over-cautious. Because being over cautious is a prerequisite to being afraid of taking steps. Hence, do attend the right networking sessions, meet up with the right people, have meaningful conversations, and get the job done.