By: Vrunda Patel

“Knowing who you know is just as important as knowing what you know.”

This classic phrase has never been more relevant. In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, networking isn’t just a bonus—it’s a career superpower. Establishing worldwide connections might lead to opportunities you never knew existed, especially for young professionals and students in India. The world is literally at our fingertips, with social networking platforms like Facebook and Instagram boasting billions of members and LinkedIn boasting over millions monthly active users.

Why Building Global Connections Matters

Building a global connection is about opening doors, expanding your horizons, and staying ahead of the competition in a cutthroat world, not about collecting contacts or mindlessly adding names to your LinkedIn profile. Nearly 70% of firms have obtained new leads from trade exhibits and networking events, according to studies, and 93% of event planners now use  internet platforms to reach a wider audience worldwide. According to the well-known quote,”Your network is your net worth,” and its value increases significantly when it crosses national boundaries.

Go Global from Your Desk

You can cultivate international relationships without needing a visa. With online platforms such as Zoom, LinkedIn, Peers Global, and even Instagram, you can attend webinars in the UK, pitch your ideas to individuals in Singapore, or collaborate with a creative professional in New York—all from your residence in Gujarat. In fact, India boasts more than 130 million LinkedIn users, making it the second-largest user base globally. So instead of merely scrolling, make an effort to engage with purpose.

Give Value Before You Ask for Favours

“Who can get the most out of it” is not the game of networking. Actually, when you approach relationships with an attitude of giving rather than gaining, the best relationships are formed. In the words of best-selling author Keith Ferrazzi, “The currency of networking is not greed but generosity.” This entails being prepared to lend a hand to others without anticipating anything in return, whether it be by sending along a helpful article, giving guidance, or putting two people in touch who would find it helpful to get to know one another

“Networking is more about farming than it is about hunting. It’s about cultivating relationships.” – Dr. Ivan Misner