In my opinion, the term “networking” means people connecting with other people in order to complete a goal or motive. In today’s age, networking tends to be carried out through social media or on some sort of technological platform. Often times networking can be used to look for a job or even to meet other people who you may be going to school with. The app Linkedin embodies all that networking is. The app creates a space for people to create profiles and match with other people in order to get a job or make connections for some sort of professional agenda. Linkedin makes finding a job as well as hiring much easier since one’s profile lists all their previous jobs and accomplishments. Networking can even be seen on Instagram and other social media apps that influencers use. Often times several influencers will network with each other via social media and then meet up in person to create a “collab” which may take form in a video or a post. These “collabs” often bring in lots of revenue since the fans of all the influencers will combine to tune in to watch or view whatever it is that they have posted, therefore multiplying these influencers regular viewing audience.
4 thoughts on “Network – Caroline Rowe”
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I agree that networking can be done digitally or in person, most networking is digital because it is simple to find connections and the background of the people through the internet. The app Linkdenln is a great example of a space where the main purpose is to connect people. While it is mainly used to connect people for business opportunities, it is also used for connecting with college friends and peers. The idea of a influencer ‘collab’ is inventive because they get double the viewers, adding to their algorithm and then giving them additional exposure and attention. This is another way of networking to get more connections from the viewers.
I agree that people often network with each other to complete a mutual goal or motive. I liked your example of influencers and their collaborations, because I think it highlights the reciprocity of networking. In collaborations, influencers post content with each other, tagging the other influencer’s account and urging their followers to follow them. Collaborations are a great way to gain more followers and views, especially if the person you collaborate with has a similar platform and similar fanbase. In recent years there have been so many more opportunities for networking because of the internet, social media, and the ability to connect with others over shared interests online.
I find your example of an influencer “collab” to be an interesting example of the power of networks. As the text discussed networks operate based on a hierarchy and the interactions of different power dynamics. As we discussed in class “networking” can often mean individuals who come together due to common interest and who can benefit each other through some sort of mutual exchange. In this case the collab allows influencers to each exchange some of their clout with the other person and connect their two smaller networks.
I definitely agree that networking can be seen throughout social media platforms. LinkedIn is a great example of a professional networking app that has been used in order for people to communicate with others in a particular work field. Personally, I have never thought of an influencer “collab” as being a form of networking, however, I really do see your point because I, myself have seen many influencers team up in order to draw in a bigger audience. For example, the Coachella music festival is an event that many influencers attend. In the past, influencers have attended this event in groups, and even rent out houses in order to film their “weekend at Coachella vlog”. This can all be tied back to networking and self-promotion on social media.