In today's vibrant IT scene, a new hero is making waves – the Chief Networking Officer (CNO). But this role is more than just a snappy title. The CNO is all about making meaningful connections, nurturing relationships, and opening the gateway to fresh opportunities. So, let's delve into why this friendly figure is becoming a vital part of the IT family.

## **Why a Chief Networking Officer is Like Your Best Friend**

Every IT family needs someone who knows the broader tech neighbourhood inside out, someone who can spot trends, seize opportunities, and steer clear of challenges. That's our CNO, an active participant in a multitude of professional communities and a regular face at industry gatherings. They're the company's social butterfly, always staying in the loop and keeping the organization connected with the industry's pulse.

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/PZsZkFjvGJPXnkba1a" width="480" height="270" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/buildyourdreamnetwork-business-career-networking-PZsZkFjvGJPXnkba1a">via GIPHY</a></p>

## **Responsibilities and Tasks of a Chief Networking Officer**

Here's what a typical day looks like in the life of a CNO:

1. **Fostering Friendships**: The CNO is all about people. They're continuously building new bonds with industry peers, prospective partners, customers, and stakeholders, while strengthening existing relationships. It's this network of friendships that becomes a treasure trove of insights, problem-solving resources, and potential partnerships.
2. **Keeping Up with the Times**: By attending industry events and joining community conversations, the CNO ensures they're always in the know about the latest industry trends, innovations, and best practices. They then weave these insights into practical strategies for their company.
3. **Being the Company's Ambassador**: As the company's representative at various forums, the CNO plays a vital role in waving the company flag, spreading its mission, and sharing its values. They also use their platform to attract new talent, partnerships, and potential customers.
4. **Playing the Telephone**: Inside the company, the CNO ensures that valuable insights from the outside world find their way into the company's strategy sessions. They're the friendly bridge between the external industry environment and internal company workings.

[Lily Mitina,](https://www.linkedin.com/in/liliiamitina/) the Editor-in-Chief and community catalyst at The Cymes, couldn't have put it better:

`"The Chief Networking Officer is the heartbeat of modern IT companies. They're not just a role, but a strategic necessity. Without a CNO, businesses risk being adrift in a sea of tech advancements, missing out on essential connections that can turn the tide in their favor."`

![](img/img_4851.jpeg)

The role of the CNO goes far beyond simply 'attending events'. They are a vital conduit of knowledge and opportunities, bridging the gap between the company and the wider industry.

## **What Makes a Great Chief Networking Officer?**

The perfect CNO is a mix of skills:

* **Top-notch Chatter**: A CNO needs to be a people person, with top-tier communication skills that enable them to build and maintain relationships.
* **Tech Savvy**: They need a deep understanding of the IT world, including its trends, challenges, and who's who.
* **Future Forecaster**: They must be able to translate industry happenings into strategic plans for their company.
* **Team Player**: As a senior role, the CNO must have the ability to inspire, guide, and work collaboratively with different teams.

Be realistic: You need a REAL LIFE NETWORKER, not a 'perfect skill-set' person. 

## **Meet a Real-life Chief Networking Officer**

Let's take a peek into the life of a CNO. Meet Sarah, the CNO of a budding IT firm. She's a seasoned pro in the industry, a regular at tech events, and an active member of numerous professional communities. Known for her warm personality and sharp eye for trends, Sarah has a knack for connecting people and turning industry insights into winning strategies for her company. Her extensive network has facilitated key partnerships, boosting her firm's growth and strengthening its position in the market.

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/xUA7aRuBrh8DNTVcze" width="480" height="480" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/cbc-funny-comedy-xUA7aRuBrh8DNTVcze">via GIPHY</a></p>

## So...

... a Chief Networking Officer is becoming the friendly face IT companies need to stay ahead in a highly competitive and ever-evolving industry. By leveraging the power of networking, CNOs can give their companies a significant advantage, making them a beloved and valuable addition to the team.

Explore why the Chief Networking Officer (CNO) is becoming a vital figure in IT companies. Understand their role, responsibilities, skills, and witness how they can revolutionize your business through the power of networking.

The Friendly Face of IT: Introducing the Chief Networking Officer

**ROLES AND PREFERENCES**



Both agency and freelancer have their own advantages and disadvantages, it will depend on your specific project requirements and preferences.

An agency typically has a team of professionals with a diverse set of skills and can handle larger, more complex projects. They also often have a defined process in place for project management and may offer additional services such as marketing or design. However, agencies can be more expensive and may have less flexibility in terms of project scope or timeline.

A freelancer, on the other hand, might appear to be more cost-effective and have more flexibility in terms of project scope and timeline. They also may have more specialized skills and can provide a more personal touch to your project. However, a freelancer may not have the same level of resources or support as an agency, and they may not be able to handle larger, more complex projects.

Ultimately, it’s important to consider your project requirements, budget, and timeline when deciding whether to work with an agency or a freelancer. It’s also a good idea to get recommendations and read reviews to get a sense of the quality of work and customer service you can expect from potential partners.

**PROJECT PLANNING ATTITUDE**

Both agencies and freelancers can be skilled in project planning, but they may approach it differently.

Agencies typically have a defined process in place for project management, which includes project planning. They often have a team of professionals with different skills and expertise who work together to plan the project and ensure that it stays on track and on budget. They may also have project managers who are responsible for overseeing the project and ensuring that it stays on schedule.

Freelancers, on the other hand, may have a less formal structure in terms of project planning. They may rely more on their own experience and expertise to plan the project and ensure that it stays on track and on budget. However, they can also be quite good in planning as they tend to be more flexible and adaptable to client’s needs.

Ultimately, the key to successful project planning is clear communication and a shared understanding of project goals, timelines, and budgets. Both agencies and freelancers should have a solid understanding of your project requirements and should be able to work with you to create a plan that meets your needs and expectations.

**WHY AGENCY IS A BIT BETTER?**

Agencies can be a good option for web development projects because they often have a team of professionals with a diverse set of skills and can handle larger, more complex projects. Some of the advantages of working with an agency include:

1. Resources: Agencies have a team of professionals with different skills and expertise that can work together to deliver a complete project. This means that you have access to a wider range of resources and skill sets than you would with a single freelancer.
2. Experience: Agencies have experience working on a variety of projects and may have a better understanding of industry best practices and trends. They may also have experience working with other clients in your industry and can bring that knowledge to your project.
3. Processes: Agencies typically have a defined process in place for project management, which can help ensure that your project stays on track and on budget.
4. Support: Agencies often provide additional services such as marketing, design, and ongoing support, which can be beneficial for your project.
5. Accountability: Agencies have a reputation to uphold and will work hard to deliver good results on time, as they have a team and a structure in place and can be held accountable for their work.

That being said, it’s worth noting that agencies can be more expensive than freelancers, and may have less flexibility in terms of project scope or timeline. It’s important to carefully evaluate your project requirements, budget, and timeline when deciding whether to work with an agency or a freelancer.

**DO REVIEWS MATTER?**

It is generally thought to be a good idea to check reviews about an agency before hiring them for a web development project. Reviews can provide valuable insight into the agency’s work style, communication, and quality of work. They can also give you a sense of the agency’s reputation and how well they have satisfied other clients in the past.

**When evaluating reviews, it’s important to consider the following:**

1. Look for reviews from clients who have experience with similar projects to yours.
2. Pay attention to specific details such as the type of project, communication, and the final results, project size as well matters a lot.
3. Look for patterns in the reviews. If multiple reviews mention the same issue, it may be something that you should be aware of.
4. Check the reviews from different sources, but be aware – people tend to leave more negative reviews rather a positive one. Noting long-term clients for an agency is a very good sign, if someone works with them long-term – they are happy enough to carry on, but of course, that will not have any review listed.
5. Look at the agency’s portfolio and check their previous work that is related to your project.
6. Consider reaching out to the reviewers if you have any doubts or questions, they may be able to provide more information.

It’s also a good idea to get recommendations from other professionals in the industry, as they can provide valuable insight into the agency’s work style, communication, and quality of work.\
Keep in mind, reviews are just one aspect of the evaluation process, it’s also important to consider the agency’s skills, experience, and approach that fit your specific project requirements.

We are pretty open – you may find our reviews on several platforms, like [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/ag/skynix/), [Clutch](https://clutch.co/profile/skynix#summary), [TrustPilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/skynix.co), and others. You are also welcome to leave a review as well after we finish something great for you.

https://skynix.co/

When deciding whether to work with an agency or a freelancer for a web development project, it’s important to consider your project requirements, budget, and timeline. Agencies can handle larger, more complex projects and provide a wider range of services

Why would you want to hire an agency over a freelancer?

## Introduction

Being a developer in the tech industry today means having to take on a brand-new identity that wasn’t necessarily present in previous decades. In information technology related industries, these qualities enable the development of products that are more responsive to the needs of its users. Let's read about each of these critical abilities.

## Empathy: Understanding User Needs

Empathy is one of the crucial factors that should be applied when developing products to solve users’ problems. The development of this skill enables one to understand the users’ views, emotions, and concerns for the intended target market. This understanding helps them to create clear-flow and easily-navigable interfaces, and to predetermine users’ actions, while creating solutions targeting those users.

The fast-paced technological environment, high levels of user expectations, and short periods for adaptability make empathy the ultimate strategic weapon.

To sum, when developers are able to consider the users of the systems they develop, with the means of appreciating what the users feel and desire concerning the application or the service they are using, the chances of developing applications and services are high that will meet the needs and wants of the targeted users; thus causing satisfaction among those targeted users.

Empathizing with users is all about listening and watching users, and carrying out these actions with a sense of wonder. It is also beneficial in several ways for developers such as through user research, usability testing, and working within a UX designer role to better understand the user experience.

## Psychological Resilience

![Image by FreePik](img/businessman-working-flying-like-superhero-with-briefcase-start-up-launch-start-up-venture-entrepreneurship-concept-white-background_335657-1678.jpg "Image by FreePik")

Image by FreePik\
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This is why the IT industry has become famous for its strict end dates, fluctuating specifications, and challenging issues to solve. This is because those developers who ideally have exemplary psychological health shall be in a better position to handle these stressful states.

It is often found that resilient developers can control their emotions, respond to the change, and sustain efforts in addressing challenges. Cooperating with others can be helpful to the individual as well as to the whole team: developers are handy for their ability to offer their fellow workers both the calm and advice on how to deal with stress and thus ensure the formation of a healthier and more efficient working culture.

## Mentorship: Accelerating Professional Growth

The mentorship has been proven to be an effective facilitator of fast skills development among developers. The main advantage of leadership and training are the sharing of knowledge, skills, and practices among the new team members by providing the opportunity to work together with experienced counterparts.

For mentors, this role creates an opportunity to build-up their competencies and leadership potential and strengthen a position within the company. It is useful not only for a technical perspective but it also provides a valuable lesson on how a company operates and how a particular problem can be dealt within the corporative world, involving various stakeholders, as well as focuses on building up the success mindset.

The advantages are numerous in this case, and any mentee will highly appreciate the below benefits. It allows receiving targeted advice and other forms of help and encouragement from experienced developers who have been through similar situations. It makes them learn faster, gain confidence in their work and develop various skills that make them fit well in the organization.

Of special significance, ideas such as respect, communication and orientation towards the goals of the learner must be adopted inany good mentorship programs. Mentors should be trained to listen, give feedback and not merely guide the credit process but make sure the mentee takes responsibility for the process.

## Communication Skills

Effective communication can indeed be said to form the core of a team effort within the IT field.

There is major emphasis placed on the importance of good communication skills, being able to express thoughts coherently, being attentive listeners and being able to solve problems lap. Good communication skills help expose technical concepts and put technical ideas in a manner that promotes constructive discussions that can be lucid to all the members as well as many of the stakeholders.

It can be stated that in distributed teams in which people work in a more distance orientated way, the focus is much more on the way people communicate. Communication and cooperation should be smooth across geographical and virtual environment as the developers have to effectively utilize resources and technologies to execute tasks and co-operatively solve problems.

Effective interpersonal skills are formed through basic skills like active listening, oral presentation, written communication and even interpersonal conflict solving skills.

## Adaptability and Continuous Learning

![Image by FreePik](img/people-teamworking-project-illustrated_23-2148788527.jpg "Image by FreePik")

Image by FreePik\
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The technology indeed moves fast where the available tools, frameworks as well as best practices are frequently updated.

Those developers who are able to operate under these conditions and constantly deepen their knowledge in demand areas will likely hold the key to success and sustainable success in this environment.

Foreseeable developers are eager to learn new things, to adopt new ideas, and to collaborate on new processes of innovative projects. In particular, they hold the beliefs that are crucial for motivation which involve repurposing challenges into threats, instead of regarding them as something negative.

Flexibility, as a work attitude, consists of a willingness to learn in the job, which is sustained. The data suggest that assigned developers who are receptive to modifying their skills and knowledge in response to emerging industry trends and tools, as well as prototypes, are more valuable. It makes them versatile to perform new tasks, work in various tasks and offer new approaches and ideas.

Learning agility is therefore multifaceted, and hence it is integrated with the following. Developers are encouraged to look for training opportunities, join relevant groups in social media, work on a new project using new tools, frameworks and languages, and learn on their own. This process organisations can further aid by affording learning facility, promoting learning and knowledge sharing in the workplace as well as quarantining rewards for training and development.

## Conclusion

When it comes to defining how developers should approach their work at different stages of interaction with a customer in the context of the technologies rapidly evolving over the years, soft skills appear to be invaluable. While moving from conventional workplace models towards cooperative intelligent environments focusing on the users, personal, organizational, and professional development skills such as empathy, psychological stamina, coaching, and communication, as well as flexibility become relevant to the personal and organizational career advancement.

Those developers who believe and work on strengthening these current essential soft skills will improve the employee’s personal and overall team’s productivity, finally contributing to their organization’s success. These respective angles of professional approach underline the fact how developers can maintain a flexible and highly demanded position in any working environment and learn to face future shifts and changes.

Remember, in the end, it's not just about the code you write – it's about the impact you make. And these soft skills? They're your ticket to making that impact bigger than ever!

Future-Proofing Your Professional Prowess: Must-Have Soft Skills in IT for 2024

Career growth is now more important than ever. That's why BazaIT is [launching a series of live broadcasts](https://www.youtube.com/@bazait/streams) on this topic. The first speaker of the stream was Maria Tintul, Head of Business Development at [Startup Wise Guys](https://startupwiseguys.com/). Maria shared with Victoria Nalyvaiko, CEO and co-founder of the recruiting platform BazaIT.com her own experience and tips for successful professional growth that will suit both newcomers who have just joined the industry, and those who are only considering it for the future. Attention was also focused on important things for already experienced workers.

## **Why People Fear Business Development**

Maria never dreamed of or planned to work in sales. And to the question: "Why are there so few staff in sales in the market?" the answer is simple - most people perceive this profession from a negative perspective. Many people mistakenly believe that becoming a "salesperson" is something difficult or requires special skills, abilities, or even character. Like, you're given a pen and you have to sell it, as in the movie "Wolf of Wall Street".

"It's not like that. Unfortunately, the stereotyping of BD and sales in general has created a huge bottleneck in society. We have a big problem attracting new staff to this profession at all, as it is perceived as something that you wouldn't want to be associated with. This is a stereotype that we need to fight against. You don't have to be such a 'pusher' to be in sales," says Maria.

![pic from google.com](img/vendimi-questa-penna.png "sell this pen ")

## **BD is a profession**

A "salesperson" is a profession where in 90% of cases, the goal is to communicate with people, identify their needs, and then sell them products and services. Finding the ones who will work with you is much more challenging than it appears at first glance.

The job of a business developer is not just to find clients and sell, but also to analyze the market, adapt your offer, and study your competitors. They also develop new services necessary to maintain your niche in this market, interact with key partners, and grow your network. Thus, BD is more extensive and strategic.

Sales is an essential component of BD. It's about the result. Despite numerous processes, it's important to focus on results and continuously update your skills to achieve specific metrics.

In marketing, you need to think globally as it's an important part of building your brand and growing your business.

![pic from personal edit Canva.com](img/beige-nero-e-verde-moderno-creativo-citazione-motivazionale-immagine-di-copertina-per-articolo-di-linkedin-copia-2.png "Canva 1 ")

## **Bizdev sales in an outsourcing company versus a startup**

In outsourcing, negotiations usually revolve around project details, including specialists who will work on the project, their rates, the possibility of additional research, UI/UX development, etc. This isn't always a creative process as it often leads to discussions of very specific things. Your client most likely already has a specific technical task.

"Conceptually, clients only approach you when they're ready to make a decision about choosing a partner for project development. However, there's an opportunity to offer full consulting to conceptualize with the client. When choosing a partner, it's important not only to consider hourly rates but also to understand the readiness stage of your audience to make decisions, and whether they will enjoy working with a conceptualist," Maria continues.

In contrast, startups are always an adventure, something like: "Let's help Dory find her keys."

"For them, it's crucial to have a good biz-dev or salesperson who can find interesting ways of testing ideas and researching the market to create a relevant product. Your role as a BD is to tap into your inner researcher and dig from all sides, interacting with experts already working in your niche, consultants, guides, and thought leaders in this industry. Develop horizontally to become a skilled and top-notch specialist. The more complex your B2B product, the more consultative your sales become."

Before coming to an interview, a candidate should already have tested insights about the product they will work with. It's important to try to understand both the positive and negative sides of the product and predict the audience's goals and pain points. This will help understand how successful the candidate will be in this specialization.

![pic from personal edit canva.com](img/beige-nero-e-verde-moderno-creativo-citazione-motivazionale-immagine-di-copertina-per-articolo-di-linkedin.png "Canva 2 ")

## **How to properly start in the BD industry**

Maria Tintul says:

"I was sending out resumes everywhere, searching for any positions that required English skills."

Recruiting can be compared to sales since in both cases you need to sell your company, job vacancy, or product/services. It's important to make your offer stand out against hundreds of other vacancies.

For the candidates, I have good news: previous experience working in other sales teams is not always a plus; sometimes, it's even a downside. BD team leaders often find it easier to train a person from scratch. Look for larger teams and departments with clear processes, as they provide an ideal stepping-stone for a junior specialist.

Remember, business development sometimes isn't even about direct sales, but about facilitating a mutual agreement between people around a table (which you will then formalize).

![pic from google.com](img/joao-ferrao-4yzrcdncrvg-unsplash.jpg "computer ")



## **How interviews go**

"Imagine that you came to sell yourself. Therefore, find out the needs of your client, what are the company's pain points, and how you could help. Learn as much as you can about the company and the team to understand how exactly you could complement it. Don't come to the interview if you only want to answer questions. This is a two-way process, you also need to be interested in the company, working conditions, and find out if everything meets your criteria. You are providing services and you also need to understand if there is a fit. Treat this as a sales call," Maria continues.

![pic from personal edit Canva.com](img/beige-nero-e-verde-moderno-creativo-citazione-motivazionale-immagine-di-copertina-per-articolo-di-linkedin-copia.png "canva 3")

## **Preparing for an Interview**

If you already have previous experience, the first thing a potential employer is interested in is your sales volumes. It would also be beneficial to share a few stories about successful cases.

These are the things assessed in such an interview:

* How well the candidate can sell themselves
* The coherence and eloquence of their speech
* The clarity and precision in conveying their thoughts
* Their attentiveness to the flow of conversation and ability to steer it in a more beneficial direction for themselves

Here's the impression your speech should create:

* It should be clear who you are and what the forecasted picture of potential collaboration is
* You should aim to understand the product well enough to become an expert and be able to sell it
* It's important to leave a positive impression of yourself as a professional interlocutor, as the company essentially chooses YOU to represent them to their clients
* The more you reveal about yourself in the interview, the more opportunities you'll be given to express yourself in the position

![pic grom google.com](img/amy-hirschi-k0c8ko3e6aa-unsplash.jpg "pic interview")



## **Important Soft Skills:**

The first checkpoint is the ability to tell a complete and understandable story. About anything: a book, a dog, a business, etc. The recruiter pays attention to how coherently the candidate narrates and if they monitor the listener's level of comprehension.

For a middle management position, it's crucial to have strong networking skills and to share this; your stories about unexpected new opportunities thanks to your network will show employers that you can also build relationships with the market for them.\
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During the interview, the main task is to understand whether the candidate is suitable for what the company sells. Whether it would be interesting to work with the clients they want to attract and whether you will work well together overall. Ask about everything in detail, because at the interview stage, only about 30% of what they really want to see in a candidate is typically discussed. You must understand how suitable this vacancy is for you and whether you are suitable for this position. This is necessary to formulate a quality and relevant offer later on.

"I advise you not to be afraid of new challenges and to try things, even if you have no experience. Like I did. But be sincere about it.

I chose new directions for myself every 2 years — it became the biggest challenge for me, something I hadn't tried yet. At my very first interview, I immediately said that I had no experience, except for knowing English, but I emphasized that I was ready to learn.\
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Later, I didn't actively look for a job — people in my environment recommended me. From the 3rd year, I was working as a freelance sales process consultant, where I constantly had orders and was expanding my network."

## **Tips for Beginners**

If you're a novice in the realm of BDM, here are several suggestions that can help kickstart your career:

1. Find a team from which you can learn. It's best if this team includes individuals who already have BDM experience.
2. Join a team with a founder who is a salesperson. This will help you learn to sell, a crucial skill in BDM.
3. Read a wide variety of literature on BDM to understand what approaches and strategies work best.
4. Enhance your communication and networking skills. This will help you find new clients and expand your contact network.
5. Determine what you enjoy and take it from there. It's best to work in a direction that appeals to you and sparks your interest (sales, market analysis, partnerships, events).
6. When interacting with a client or potential partner, demonstrate your expertise. You should be familiar with how your product or service is evaluated.
7. Develop your soft skills. This includes working on communication skills, empathy, and the ability to listen and understand your clients' needs.

![pic from google.com](img/cj-dayrit-xx2aysbsyko-unsplash.jpg "pic success ")

It's important to define what you specifically want to gain from your work in BDM. If you wish to become part of a process that already exists and is growing thanks to the team leader, this could be an excellent choice for you. But if you want to grow independently in this industry and become a founder, creating new concepts and ideas, join smaller teams that will trust you to develop an entire direction on your own.

To become a successful business development manager, you need to have a deep understanding of the specifics of the niche in which you work.

Networking is also crucial. It is a powerful tool in this profession.

"If you're a BDM and don't have a network, you're not relevant," emphasizes Maria.

Engage actively in this field - it will help you better understand the industry and work more effectively in it. Without probing questions, your progress might significantly slow down.

If you dislike digging too deep or bumping your head against various corners, you might want to try not BD, but sales.

## **What to pay attention to**

If you aspire to become a successful seller, focus on practical skills. Concentrate on your theme and get acquainted with different types of sales. There are many resources online, especially in English. Understand what a sales funnel is, what conversions are, and how they affect the efficiency of your work and your team.

You need to understand how the entire spectrum of sales works, including inbound and outbound sales, outreach, marketing, and the various specialists in this field. Become an expert in what you sell.

The smaller the team, the more valuable its specialists' time. You should aim to become an expert and impress your clients with specialized knowledge and skills. Quantitatively know about the market and client problems.

![pic from Pinterest.com](img/the-blowup-un4paddppau-unsplash.jpg "pic failure success ")

## **How Long the Switch Takes**

If individuals have started a job and know what they're aiming for, then three months is generally sufficient for them to become a self-sufficient specialist. Lifehack: attend all thematic stand-ups of the team to learn the essence of the product faster and become an expert in it. Request to attend all meetings with the company's existing or future clients that your colleagues conduct.

It's extraordinarily important to listen and absorb the negotiation style of this particular company. Start gaining expertise in this product or service and build your arsenal of answers. Your task is to find as many answers as possible to the questions a client will ask you.

Career growth explained by a series of Broadcast by BazaIT

career growth startups business development interviews 

How and where to develop in the profession of Business Development Manager

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