Nadia van den Heuvel (43) owns multimedia company Ictoria as well as company Xtoria: a place where people with a perceived distance from the labour market can develop and move on to other companies. This time, Nadia talks about the importance of networking, and she gives an insight into how they do it at Xtoria.
Just networking ‘for success’ is not an option in my view. I think networking is the most important thing for lasting contact. It is a kind of business card of yourself that you give to, for example, a (potential) employer or another contact. Because networking gives someone an impression of you as a person. Who you are, how you come across and what you might be able to do for each other.
The strength of LinkedIn
Networking can be done in different ways. One common way is to network via social media. A platform like LinkedIn is perfect for that. The range of employers on LinkedIn is huge, so if you are looking for work or work-related stuff, this is the place to be.
Don’t have LinkedIn yet? Then start there. Make sure you have a nice, clear profile picture. And if you are in a wheelchair, for example, you are allowed to show that.
Give a good description of your work experience and competences in your profile.
Follow companies you find interesting and occasionally post a nice comment. Make sure these are always broadly positive and that you don’t lapse into ‘whining terror’. What you post online will last, so the only one who might be bothered by it will be yourself.
‘LinkedIn is the place to be for networking.’
Networking offline
‘Offline’ networking is just as valuable. For example, when you speak to someone at an event or meeting. And it can be even more accessible. For instance in the supermarket or while travelling on public transport. Important in networking is that you keep contacts ‘warm’. Wish someone a happy birthday. Not because you think you should, but because you wish them well.
You may be wondering how I get my network at Ictoria. We too use LinkedIn. It is an easy and valuable way to stay in touch with your network and to expand it. We also visit many events and do a lot of networking. I am also increasingly in the privileged position of speaking at events. My colleague Myrthe, who manages my press kit, then investigates how I can do Ictoria’s story properly.
Broadening horizons
Networking shows who you are and what you stand for. By doing so, you can also broaden someone else’s view. We notice in our industry – and maybe you too – that there are certain stigmas and prejudices when someone is ‘different’. For instance, if you have a (physical) challenge or are unable to work due to circumstances. Networking allows you to tell your story and expand your contacts. Because everything you give attention to grows.
Source: UWV
