Here’s Why Networking Is Important to Your Success

Imagine this: You’ve been invited to a networking event in your city. There will be food, drinks, and a room full of professionals in your industry.

How does that make you feel? Excited? Hopeful? Absolutely terrified???

For many people, their answer is the last option. Entering a room full of strangers and striking up conversations can seem like an overwhelming, draining prospect for many. Others think networking takes up valuable time that could be better spent producing.

The truth is, networking can be a rewarding, effective, and dare I say, fun ingredient in fostering your professional and even personal growth. So, before you start shaking your head and backing away from the screen, allow me to share the benefits of networking and some helpful tips for opening yourself up to it.

What Are the Benefits of Networking?

Experts agree that the most successful people are the ones who are the most connected. This isn’t surprising when you realize how many personal and professional benefits networking offers.

Networking can help you:

• Make new connections, including potential colleagues, employers, mentors, partners, clients, and friends
• Develop and improve your skillset
• Secure new career opportunities (Fun fact: 56% of millennials have been introduced to a new job through a casual conversation!)[*]
• Gain new perspectives and ideas
• Keep a pulse on the latest trends in your industry
• Develop and improve your communication, social skills, and confidence??
• Gain access to resources that will foster your career development
• Reduce isolation

The Importance of Taking a Step Back from Producing?

We live in a hustle culture where we’re encouraged to constantly produce, produce, produce in the name of success. This can be so drilled into our minds that we see networking as a waste of time that could be better spent churning out products.?The hustle mindset also encourages us to view other people as a means to an end, making relationships feel more transactional than sincere.?

Ultimately, this line of thinking is not conducive to success. Not only will you eventually burn out if you’re constantly producing, but this way of thinking focuses on short-term rather than long-term success.

You see, networking isn’t about instant gratification. It’s a long game centered around building meaningful connections that provide benefits over time. Not every networking opportunity will lead to a life-changing result or collaboration, but it’s all about continuing to strengthen and broaden your professional community. In doing so, you open the door to valuable support, knowledge, and opportunities that may benefit you in a multitude of ways for years to come.

Tips for Opening Yourself Up to Networking?

A LinkedIn survey revealed that the majority of professionals agree that networking is valuable, but struggle with what to say, how to get in touch with connections, and how to make time to network.[*]

If you feel this way, take a deep breath and join the club. You’re not alone! Here are my top tips for opening yourself up to networking and making it work for you.

1. Reconnect with people you’ve already met

If attending a networking event seems too overwhelming right now, consider reconnecting with people you’ve lost touch with. Take a small step forward by texting or emailing someone you haven’t spoken to recently to catch up on each other’s lives.

Another good way to reconnect is by paying attention to notifications from your connections on LinkedIn and replying to their posts or achievements. This is often enough to stir up a conversation and voilà—you’ve reignited a connection.?

2. Focus on a growth mindset?

Psychologist Carol Dweck is renowned for her research on the growth mindset: believing you can improve and grow. This mindset contrasts with having a fixed mindset—seeing yourself as static and unable to grow.

To embrace a growth mindset, focus on the potential benefits you could gain from networking, rather than everything that could go wrong. Understand that every opportunity helps you grow, even if it doesn’t go as planned.

Also, realize that most of the other attendees feel a bit nervous and awkward too. Take a deep breath, give yourself a mental pep talk, stand up to your fears, and try to enjoy the experience.

As Sheryl Sandberg said,

“So please ask yourself, ‘What would I do if I weren’t afraid?’ And then go do it.”?

3. Consider what you have to offer

The goal of networking is to develop mutually beneficial relationships. In other words, it’s not only about what you can gain, but also what you can provide to others.

But what if you feel like you don’t have anything to offer? This is a common belief. Research shows that when you feel like you have nothing to give, you’re less likely to want to participate in networking.[*] In reality, everyone has something to offer, even if it’s just your support.?

Before you go to a networking event, consider your strengths and what you could potentially offer someone. Good things to consider include skills, knowledge, insights, resources, strategies, introductions, opportunities, or simply a listening ear.?

4. Find what works for you?

There’s no one way to network. While meet-and-greet networking events are a valuable way to make new connections, you can also grow your network in ways that aren’t quite so traditional.

Really, any social gathering is an opportunity to network, from birthday parties to neighborhood gatherings to volunteer events. It’s not always appropriate to exchange business cards at social events, but if you show genuine interest in the other person, you could make a connection that leads to exchanging numbers and a business opportunity down the road.

Another unconventional way to network is by attending a business-focused retreat. For example, I’ve hosted two retreats for women who run service-based businesses. During the retreats, the attendees were able to connect, share ideas, and build relationships that have the potential to benefit them personally and professionally for years to come.?

5. Be consistent?

In my opinion, the focus of networking is building community, which is why it's important to consistently engage with others—not just when you need a new job or when you're launching a new product or service.

Some ways to maintain and nurture connections with your contacts include texting or calling them to check-in, commenting on their online content, meeting up for coffee or lunch, attending events together, and sharing information with them (such as articles, job postings, ideas, etc.) that you think they could benefit from.?

A Final Word on Networking?

An African proverb says,

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”?

This concept applies to our lives in so many ways, including our careers. If you try to do everything alone, you’ll only get so far and burn yourself out. You don’t have to do everything and be everyone. It’s okay to accept support, guidance, and help from others.?

Take a chance. Step out of your comfort zone. Open yourself up to new insights, skills, and connections through networking. You never know what doors an encounter might open.??