LOCAL CASE/EXAMPLE

Context: Networking contacts coming in handy

Description: Joanna and Jacob met at a business conference in Madrid some time ago. They had exchanged business cards, but did not plan to get in touch. The exchange of contacts was mostly for courtesy and being polite. However, when Joanna plans to change her job in a few years’ time their roads cross. Joanna finds an interesting job offer through LinkedIn and looks up the company’s details on the same portal. She is astonished who her eyes see in the list of employees to that company, it is Jacob. Therefore, Joanna first contacts Jacob who promises to speak to the head of HR to set an interview.

Lesson Learnt: The described case proves the power and importance of networking skills in situations and times when you could not expect it. Networking contacts are also beneficial in

second- or third-degree connections, and can help break the ice with important people or in professional situations.