Types of Networking and How to Build It

TYPES OF NETWORKING AND HOW TO BUILD IT A. Types of Networking According to Betti (2020) and Adnyana (2019), there are two types of networks that are still connected to each other, namely 1. Personal Networking It is a network to help in self-development through seminars, workshops, forums such as professional associations, alumni associations and so on. This can help provide new perspectives to improve careers, provide references, and information related to self-development through coaching and mentoring. To achieve success in building a personal network, Adnyana (2019) argues that there are several things that need to be considered, namely: a) controlling emotions, including actions to recognize one's own feelings, think positively, accept failure/failure, not blame others, and be calm; b) respecting others, including actions to always be grateful if you get help or attention, being a good listener, eliminating the constraints of subjectivity, not hesitating and stingy in praising people according to their achievements, and remembering and calling other people's names correctly; and c) criticize elegantly, including the act of starting criticism with praise, delivery is delivered in the form of suggestions, does not use the word "but", suggestions are accompanied by arguments, delivery pays attention to good ethics, is polite and wholehearted. 2. Organizational Networking Is a network that is built with the environment inside and outside the organization. In the organizational network there are several networks that are formed, namely: a) network of organizational positions and formal relationships (organizational structure), provides a classification system for an organization. Because each position has a place in the organization and in general the design or structure of this organization explains the flow of the organizational function process from "upstream to downstream"; b) organizational network in teams and processes or operational networks, aims to complete internal work at a certain time. This network explains that in carrying out and carrying out tasks and responsibilities, good working relationships are needed with all parties to help complete the tasks and responsibilities that are owned. Several parties involved in the organization's internal operational network include all members of the work team, fellow colleagues in the organization, and all internal teams that support or thwart work, as well as external parties involved according to the needs of the organization. Operational networks are important to build so that coordination and cooperation are well established; and c) knowledge networks based on personal experience, helping to maintain breakthroughs, creativity, and problem solving in organizations. Because each individual has many different experiences in life that can be shared with others. So that it can form an idea, understanding or new discovery related to something through many explanations and meanings that exist. B. How to Build Networking To build networking is often mediated and closely related to lobbying activities. Because lobbying will be greatly facilitated by having a strong and broad network. Lobbying is an effort carried out to be able to influence certain parties with the aim of obtaining favorable results (Terra, 2018). Then there is also according to Anwar (1997) who argues that lobbying is an informal and persuasive effort carried out by one party (individual, group, private, government) who has certain interests to attract support from parties who are considered to have influence or authority so that the desired target is achieved (Terra, 2018). The persuasive approach referred to refers to the activeness of lobbyists needed to support lobbying activities. Terra (2018) explains that there are several things that need to be considered as technical instructions for successful lobbying, namely as follows: 1) need to know/identify the target well, this needs to be considered to be able to adjust the approach that will be taken/selection of communication techniques used; 2) good performance/self-appearance, this is very important because good selfappearance will create a positive impression from the party being lobbied; 3) paying attention to the situation and conditions, to carry out lobbying actions, it is necessary to pay attention and adjust to the situation or conditions that are built as well as the situation and conditions of the person being lobbied; 4) packaging the message as attractively and simply as possible, because someone will be interested in watching or listening to something that is neatly packaged or arranged; and 5) don't be afraid to fail, remember that failure is delayed success. So that every effort will not always be successful, especially in a fast and short time. Building networking in an organization can be done in several ways. According to Utami (2020) there are several ways to build networking in a business organization, namely: 1) Increase acquaintances, through participation in seminars, workshops, training, and other events will provide opportunities to meet many people from various backgrounds. This provides an opportunity to add and find new acquaintances and open new networks. An example of the first step to build networking, namely we can participate in national education seminar activities that will help us build networking as well as help and develop our knowledge and skills in the field of education, or if there is an event that is open to the public or specifically then participate; 2) Do duplication, this action refers to the process of imitating the steps and strategies of successful people in obtaining networks accompanied by actions to develop expertise in oneself. An example of the second step to build networking, namely find friends to discuss, share and be open-minded to help us solve problems, find new ideas, innovations and creativity, and have good qualities and achievements to ask how to succeed and our tips for success. Like if we need help from a professional in the field of education in terms of teaching, then look for a qualified teacher or professor who has a good career ladder and achievements and has been certified; 3) Exchange business cards, this has an important role in building networking even though this action is a simple action. Business cards are an important tool that becomes a personal identity or source of information to make it easier for others to contact and a step to expand the network you have. An example of the third step to build networking, namely if we meet and get to know new people in an activity or in the middle of the road, never forget to give our business cards as an initial step to maintain relationships and long-lasting friendships, and we can also ask for business cards from our new acquaintances too; 4) Give support to business partners, this action is done to support the building of closeness with other business partners. Taking the time to give support to business partners is our first step in strengthening networking with business partners through empathy and sympathy as well as sensitivity to the people around us and the environment. An example of the fourth step to build networking, namely if one of our business partners holds an event to open/start a business activity or celebrate its success, then take the time to come and congratulate it on its success. In addition, if our business partner has a problem or obstacle, then do not hesitate to provide support, motivation and assistance both in the form of morals and morals. Like if our partner is launching a new product, then come and give encouragement and support for the new product, and pray for the success of the new product; 5) Have sharing activities, this sharing activity can be done through seminars, workshops, online forums, social media, or anywhere that supports this activity to run well. Because in fact if we master and have the ability in a field, it will not be a loss if we share it with others, and through this it will help build networking with people who have the same interests. An example of the fifth step to build networking, namely we need to join a business forum, education, or other fields that are pursued through online or offline forums. In addition, we must actively follow the discussions or discussions that occur, and always participate in activities carried out by the forums we follow. Like we are struggling in the field of education, then we can follow the regional teacher forum, MGMP forum, or other teacher forums; 6) Use social media, in the era of revolution 4.0 which will shift to the era of society 5.0 everyone is connected through social media. So that social media becomes one of the tools that must be used to obtain or build networking, especially in the business field. Because through social media, business people can find new insights and the desires or needs of the targeted business targets. Example of the sixth step to build networking, namely we need to create our personal and business social media accounts separately or one, and do not forget to always update the profile and display our life history and background on our account profile. Do not be shy to include our life background, and do not forget to always promote and update the content of our social media accounts; 7) Self-confidence, this attitude is needed in taking action to initiate or open communication with others. In addition, with this self-confidence, it helps us build a sense of comfort in a conversation for ourselves and the person we are talking to. Because lack of self-confidence will be a big barrier to expanding networking, so feelings of shame and low self-esteem need to be overcome when dealing with others. An example of the seventh step to build networking, namely showing all our abilities when dealing with other people and being in an activity forum. Speaking in a firm tone, being brave, holding your head up, looking the other person in the eye, paying attention to them, and displaying a face that always displays a smile.; and 8) Join a group, to expand networking requires a willingness to join a group that is in accordance with the field being worked on and is able to have an impact on our success. This action is also an effective way to get to know many actors who are also involved in the same field, and have a place to find new innovations and share experiences. An example of the eighth step to build networking, namely this step is related to the fifth step. Join and participate in a business association forum, education, or other forums that help us develop ourselves, help achieve success and achievement, and build a broad network in the field we are engaged in; Tips for building a good and efficient network conveyed by Betti (2020) as follows: 1. Allocate Time to Build Networks Considering networking as an important part is the first step to building a network, so it is necessary to allocate time to build networks. Allocate time to start building networks and maintaining networks that have been formed. 2. Meet Many People To start building networks, you can start by participating in social activities that involve many people. When participating in social activities, don't just follow them, you need to investigate and find out first about who will be present, the background of those who will be present and analyze the benefits of participating in the activity. 3. Be a Sincere Person Who is Interested in Others Start being a good listener, listening to stories, and daring to ask questions. Talk about interesting things from that person's point of view, looking for opportunities to help and share information, ideas or expertise. 4. Build a Reputation Building a positive reputation is very necessary to show your quality. So that you can build a good image and be trusted by others. Be the person that others want to meet and give others the opportunity to know what activities you do through various means including social media.