Hyred's Guide To Networking for Newbies: 25 Ways You Can Start Using Now!

According to this global study from LinkedIn , 80% of professionals state that they consider networking as an important key to one’s career success, and that 70% of those respondents were hired by an organisation where they already had an existing connection working there.

In today’s global workforce, there continues to be an increasing trend for potential candidates and current employees who are capable as successful mediums of communication and engagement with internal and external future business partners. And the need to acquire this skill is all the more felt by those who are new and just starting out.

Thus, look no further for those itching to improve your networking game! We’re going to find out why networking is highly important in your career and how it can help you - as a workforce newbie - to make better and more lasting connections!

What Is Networking?

Networking refers to the activities employees engage in to establish business-related relationships and meaningful connections with like-minded professionals.

Building relationships - successful and strong professional networks - requires a mutual understanding from the start: what you can do for your existing connections and what they can do for you. The development of this sort of network requires making connections that will sustain more than a simple introduction and getting your name out there in the professional and corporate world, all of which takes time, effort, and support to build and maintain.

Types of Networking

Whether you’re attempting to build a professional network physically in the real world or on a virtual platform, there are various methods to do so. Check them all out below:

Personal Networks

• Family: Your nuclear or extended family who can offer strong support, trust, and loyalty.
• Friend groups: Formed by people with shared interests who support each other and build trust through mutual connections.
• Alumni networks: Formed around educational institutions, alumni networks can serve as valuable resources for networking and collaboration.
• Mastermind groups: Small groups of peers who meet to discuss challenges, share valuable insights, and provide mutual support in achieving their goals.
• Local/regional communities: Geo-focused communities allow workers to network, share local insights, and collaborate on projects and initiatives.

Operational Networks

• Freelancer coworking spaces: Physical spaces catering to freelancers, offer a shared workspace and networking events and workshops.
• Business owner networks: Communities designed for entrepreneurs and business owners to network and discuss business-related challenges and opportunities.
• Trade associations: Professional organisations related to specific industries often offer networking opportunities, events, and resources to connect and learn.

Strategic Networks

• Industry-specific communities: Focused on an industry or niche, brings together workers from common business environments.
• Platform-based communities: Linked to specific freelancing platforms, these communities provide a space for users to connect and collaborate.
• Social networking groups: Online networking on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook provide a virtual space for people to discuss industry trends, share resources, and connect.
• Online forums and discussion boards: Platforms like Reddit and Quora allow members to ask questions, share insights, and discuss various topics related to their field.

25 Ways To Practise & Develop Your Networking Skills

Despite the number of possible networking methods that exist, we’ve narrowed it down to just 25 simple ways. Start trying some of these ways in your current job role or with your fellow colleagues and peers. Take advantage of your next professional networking opportunity to start seeing considerable changes to your social and professional circles!

1. Add Value: Offer advice, connections, or mentorship to build reciprocal relationships.
2. Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask colleagues for assistance and reciprocate when they need help.
3. Ask Insightful Questions: Show interest with thoughtful questions that go beyond the generic.
4. Attend Networking Events: Prioritise face-to-face meetings to build trust and open doors. Don't overlook online events.
5. Attend Social Events: Engage in out-of-office activities to strengthen relationships.
6. Be Active: Stay in touch, share content, and contribute to discussions.
7. Be Equipped to Network: Do your homework on events and attendees to ensure meaningful interactions.
8. Be Genuine and Prepared: Show authentic interest, respect others' time, and prepare conversation points.
9. Be Interesting Without Bragging: Demonstrate your value by listening and offering relevant insights.
10. Be Positive: Use positive language and avoid negative topics.
11. Be Prepared: Research attendees and topics beforehand to find common interests and conversation starters.
12. Bring Business Cards: Always have business cards for unexpected networking opportunities.
13. Build on Relationships: Invest time and energy in maintaining and strengthening connections.
14. Circulate: Talk to many people at events; exchange business cards for future contact.
15. Communicate Concisely: Be clear, concise, and enthusiastic.
16. Find Common Ground: Discover shared interests to build rapport and future conversations.
17. Follow Up: Connect within a few days via phone, email, or LinkedIn, depending on the contact's importance.
18. Get Introductions: Ask first-degree contacts to introduce you to second-degree connections.
19. Give More Than You Take: Offer value before pitching and sharing relevant content.
20. Have Initiative: Seek out and create networking opportunities through events and professional groups.
21. Make the First Move: Be the first to say hello and initiate conversations.
22. Maximise LinkedIn: Optimise your profile, connect with relevant people, and engage in groups and discussions.
23. Positive Body Language: Smile, make eye contact, and appear approachable.
24. Put Your Phone Down: Avoid looking distracted by focusing on your phone.
25. Timing Matters: Follow up within two days and personalise connection requests.

Why Is This Important?

Networking is essential for professional growth, offering a multitude of benefits that extend beyond finding job opportunities. By connecting with a broader range of professionals, you can form meaningful relationships and collaborate on various projects. Engaging with your network also helps you discover valuable resources such as courses, webinars, and meetups, which can accelerate your professional development.

Furthermore, networking increases your visibility within your industry, helping you attract potential collaborators and clients as well as exposing you to job opportunities, projects, recruiters, and partnerships that may not be publicly advertised.

In addition to these tangible benefits, networking facilitates the exchange of knowledge and insights. Interacting with peers allows you to share best practices and industry knowledge, keeping you updated on trends and enhancing your expertise. Strong relationships within your network can lead to referrals and recommendations, generating new clients and business opportunities.

Networking also gives you access to a diverse pool of skills and resources for collaborative projects, fostering innovation and successful outcomes. Moreover, participating in networking activities enhances your communication and relationship-building skills, boosting your confidence in professional settings.

To maximise the benefits of networking, it’s important to offer value to others, ensuring that relationships are mutually beneficial. Utilising mutual contacts for introductions and staying actively engaged with your network by sharing content and offering support helps maintain and grow these connections.

Investing time and energy into networking not only strengthens your professional relationships but also significantly contributes to your career success and personal growth over time.

At Hyred, we understand the value that human talent can provide. We’re always seeking a diverse range of talented, passionate people who are eager to make a difference through career opportunities. If you’re interested in onboarding with us, visit our Homepage now to set up a free 30-minute consultation for more information! Or visit our Career page for our full list of open job positions in the SEA region!

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