Networking has had a bad reputation. Oftentimes, people misunderstand it as an opportunistic practice lacking authenticity. It may seem awkward at first, but the benefits of networking go beyond your career progression. Networking skills are crucial to anyone intending to start or advance their career.
What is networking?
Networking involves establishing and developing long-term relations of mutual benefit with people you meet in different places
- You do not need to attend every seminar or engage in several professional associations to meet new people.
- In this smartphone era, one needs to keep gadgets away to interact and connect with people intentionally
Importance of networking
Interacting with people from different professions, nationalities, and cultures gives you a broader scope of life
- Open-mindedness increases every time you socialize with people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and points of view
- Strengths: increased confidence, increased understanding, and improved team player
Networking means to think outside the box
The best way to connect is by giving – you can link someone to a person who can meet their needs.
- Following up with any new connection is crucial – send a LinkedIn request with a personalized message and tag those in your network to articles about them.
An Undeniable Benefit of Networking
Success has a direct link to your networking skills
- The most connected individuals end up as the most successful
- Investing in both personal and professional relationships pays back throughout your career course
- Besides developing and improving your skillset, networking gives you access to the resources necessary to foster your career development
Conclusion
Having a good reputation with a wide range of people will increase your chances of getting referrals and job opportunities, so don’t restrict yourself to traditional networking circles.
- Take the time to find the right type of networking strategy for you and focus on making it a positive experience.
How to start networking
There is no “one style fits all” networking rule, different tactics work for different people.
- Try various strategies to find out what suits you best
- Introverts are safer with one-on-one conversations or smaller meetups
- Complimenting someone’s outfit or accessories while waiting for your coffee, train, or service is all it takes to start a conversation
How to network successfully
Implementing your most comfortable approach will fast-track your networking goals
- Consider places and events to network
- Family events, friends’ weddings, graduation events, or even birthdays are some occasions one can use to connect
- Capitalize on your circles, like family, colleagues, and friends from school and university as you expand outwards
