English

Networking is a vital way to market yourself in any field. Online networking is also a way to market yourself; one vital thing is you must participate. For example I started a Facebook page for our business in 2009 and later a personal page.  I do more business on my personal page because of the network of friends I have built up, funerals, weddings, showers etc… Forums at GCU are a useful way to stay connected to other students since we are not onsite. Yes attending events, meetings, and conferences are very relevant to the industry you work or wish to work in.  I have been heavily involved in networking in the hotel business for almost 30 years.  Your contacts help bring you business and opportunities you would not have access to otherwise.  In person some of the type events I have attended have been Chamber of Commerce meetings as well as being the chairman of the board, water resources board meetings, City Council meetings, Women’s Crisis Center meetings, political meetings, Oklahoma Department of Transportation meetings, Leflore Cattlemen’s Association yearly meetings, various programs put on with guest speakers at our local college and vocational schools, security training at church, and continuing education training programs through the hotel industry. My networking has also involved just dropping in on the mom and pop business down the street with a small bag of candy, places no one thinks any business could come from.  If I do candy bags at a big business in my area like a bank, I not only go see the main person in charge but the entry level employees.  A part of me debated even mentioning the next part but I feel it is an important result from networking. Networking has led me in business to many awards from Woman of the Year, The Best Days Inn Worldwide twice; employees winning Shine Campaigns for customer service every year, and the international Cecil B Day Award for community service. I cannot stress how important it is to be involved in your own field as well as your community. Networking also spiritually puts you in places you can do work for the greatest cause.  My business networking has led to personal relationships where we have all been drawn closer to God through various things going on in our lives.  If you feel a tug to go somewhere do it, which is God tapping on your shoulder, network for God too.