Fundamentals of Marketing Landing
Contact Us Contact Us Marketing is more than advertising. It’s the heartbeat of every successful business. This course gives you a well-rounded introduction to the
The Power of Networking in South African Marketing: Why Joining a Professional Network can Boost Your Career and Business Success
We know that networking can be time-consuming, occasionally outright unpleasant, and taxing. But there’s no doubting the influence a strong professional network can have on your ability to succeed in the South African marketing job market. When done correctly, networking can help you find a job more quickly and also possibly provide you with an advantage over other candidates at every step of your career. Here are some reasons why networking is crucial to your professional success and some things you can do to build your networking abilities during the stages of your marketing career.
Networking explained
Networking is about developing long-term connections with the individuals you meet. Most networking for marketing professionals happens at conventions and seminars, but being a great networker doesn’t mean you need to sign up for numerous professional organisations and go to every single networking event. You could network when ordering lunch at a takeaway spot or at a bar. You’ll notice that networking chances are available to you daily, but joining a professional network is the easiest way to network.
The power of networking
- For your career
Simply said, career development is the ongoing growth of your professional life. It depends on a variety of factors, including the positions you hold, the encounters you have both within and outside of the workplace, the success and progress you have at each phase of your career, the formal and informal education you receive, and the criticism you get along the road.
In a perfect world, businesses would give more importance to employee growth. However, it is your responsibility to take charge of your professional progress. Consequently, networking is crucial for career advancement: You’ll find chances to interact with various mentors and advisors, raise your image with management, advance your knowledge, and strengthen your soft skills.
- In the workplace
You might think that networking is something you do when you’re not on the job but that isn’t true. Don’t undervalue the significance of networking in the workplace. Networking with colleagues may be quite helpful for your job advancement, if you’re new to the firm and want to learn the ropes or if you’re accomplished and want a promotion. As you make connections with your co-workers, keep an eye out for possible mentors, impending professional growth opportunities, or unlisted job openings.
- When finding a job
Networking is crucial during the job search process. With the appropriate references, your chances of getting the job improve. Additionally, if you’re wanting to shift careers, your network may assist you by connecting you with people in the field you want to enter or by providing you with referrals for employment at particular businesses. Spend some time developing deep connections with the people in the professional network you have so that when you look for work, you could draw on the invaluable contacts for recommendations, insider knowledge of job openings, and other helpful tips.
Becoming an Associate at the Institute of Marketing Management South Africa
The Institute of Marketing Management South Africa (IMM) is a leading marketing institute in Southern Africa and offers marketing professionals and students a space to network. This is done by becoming an Associate. Being an Associate offers opportunities and tools like being invited to IMM Fridays and conferences, education, being eligible for awards like the Marketing Excellence Awards, and recruitment opportunities from the IMM job market.
The bottom line
Putting effort into your network can never be done too soon or too late. The simplest approach to developing your networking abilities is to test it out for yourself. If you are interested in becoming an Associate at IMM, follow this link.
Winter logistics: How cold weather impacts South Africa’s supply chains
As temperatures drop, South Africa’s logistics industry faces unique seasonal pressures, from weather-induced road hazards to slower turnaround times at key ports. In this article, we unpack how winter logistics challenges impact everything from retail delivery schedules to national supply chain efficiency, and what businesses can do to stay ahead of the chill.
Surviving the slow season: Smart strategies for small businesses in winter
Small business winter blues? Not anymore. The colder months can bring slower sales and tighter spending, but they also offer a golden opportunity to refocus, rebrand, and reconnect. From keeping your cash flow warm with winter bundles to sparking customer engagement with seasonal campaigns, this guide shares smart, practical ideas to help your business not just survive, but grow, during the winter slowdown.
Marketing in a downturn: How brands can stay relevant in a tough economy
When the economy dips, brand marketing shouldn’t disappear. In a high-cost climate like South Africa’s, marketers need to adapt, not retreat. This guide explores how to maintain relevance through empathetic messaging, local insights, customer loyalty, and purpose-led strategies. Learn how to future-proof your brand by staying human, agile, and visible, even when budgets are tight.
Managing with empathy: Why soft skills are hard business assets
It’s the human touch that gives business management its true edge. This blog explores why empathy, emotional intelligence, and soft skills are becoming core drivers of leadership success, especially in South Africa’s diverse business landscape. From improving collaboration to retaining talent and building inclusive cultures, find out why managing with empathy is not just a nice-to-have, but a critical strategy for modern managers.
From algorithms to authenticity: How Gen Z is reshaping the future of brand marketing
Gen Z, the digital-native generation born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is rapidly becoming one of the most influential consumer groups worldwide.
