Confessions of a Networking Addict
I want to connect people around the world through meaningful conversation.
Networking is hugely important in our times. To get a job, to expand your business, to connect with like-minded individuals, maintaining a network of trusted connections is essential. I’ve personally leveraged my professional network at every step of my career since I was a student.
Raising awareness about AIDS around the globe
I’ve always had a passion for trying and excelling at new things. It was with this enthusiasm that I joined LinkedIn in 2008. This was also the year I became a part of the world’s largest youth organization AIESEC and began working on an AIDS awareness project, leading a team of 14 international volunteers from 7 different countries. LinkedIn helped me execute my first big assignment successfully. The platform made it easy for me to involve people from around the world, from traveling across India for leadership building sessions to giving advice on managing budgets to securing big ticket sponsorships. By the end of my AIESEC tenure, my LinkedIn network had equipped me with a global network of like-minded and passionate people from across the globe.
Building a powerful professional network
A definitive professional platform, LinkedIn has helped me succeed in most of my endeavors with its huge directory of professionals all across the globe or what I call the ‘power of my network’.
When I started my first job at KPMG, most of my team had familiarized themselves with my LinkedIn profile before I started. This was a great conversation starter and I ended up making connections for life.
Today, even with my job and hectic schedule at Ernst and Young, LinkedIn helps me engage regularly with my old associations. LinkedIn is a life-long support system for a networking addict like me. Currently, I’m working with start-ups, connecting with publishers to get my book published, and planning on networking events for like-minded people – all at the same time!
Having meaningful conversations
Having meaningful conversations and meeting new people is what I love doing most and hence, LinkedIn is my network of choice to connect with people from all walks of life. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with small time entrepreneurs and big time change makers, mentees, mentors, CEOs, and more. I learn something new every time I engage with someone. My LinkedIn experience has not only helped me enrich my network and professional life, it’s also created a lasting impact for me personally.