Networking- Achieving the Objectives of Building Business Relationships.

Networking usually involves meeting new people who share a profession, industry, or interests. But how do you network, and why is networking so important??

Building connections with the right people at the right time could be the key to taking your career to the next level.

That said, if walking into a room full of strangers feels like your worst fear, you’re not alone. Many people do their best to avoid networking altogether, but this attitude can impact or slow their success.?

What is networking?

Networking is a mutually beneficial interaction that involves exchanging ideas and information between individuals who are connected by a common career, industry, or interest.

Unrelated to computer networking, professional networking refers to the act of building and maintaining relationships with other professionals in your industry or related fields. It is an important aspect of career development and can help individuals to expand their knowledge, opportunities, and connections.

Professional networking can take many forms, including attending industry events, participating in online communities, joining professional associations, and seeking out mentorship or coaching. You might network by connecting with specific individuals that you want to meet via email, LinkedIn, or other methods.

Networking can also involve informal interactions, such as chatting with colleagues during breaks, sharing ideas and resources, and collaborating on projects.

?Why is networking important?

Using your network is one of the best ways to find a new job or even a new role at your current company. Why is networking so important? It often comes down to one keyword: referrals. Networking can open doors to new opportunities that might be out of reach otherwise. Plus, a strong professional relationship can inspire someone to hand-deliver your resume to the hiring manager’s desk. This can make you stand out from the crowd and even help you land your dream job one day.

Many people assume that networking is only useful during a job search. But the purpose of networking goes far beyond finding your next job opportunity.

Reasons networking is important for career development.

Professional networking is not just about meeting new people; it's also about maintaining existing relationships. This involves staying in touch with contacts, sharing updates on your work, and offering support and assistance when needed. This all supports your career growth and development.

1. Networking contributes to your social well-being

Networking can increase your social well-being and help you develop lifelong friends. You might be focused on the professional aspect of networking. However, many friendships have started in the workplace or at professional functions.?

Networking isn’t just about taking — it’s also about giving, which makes it fertile ground for friendship. Having more people in your life can help you increase your overall happiness.?

Why is networking important? Besides the social benefits, building relationships can be the key to making huge strides in your career path.

When people know what you’re interested in, they can help you find opportunities that you may have otherwise missed. You might even find your next mentor or business partner through networking.?

2. Networking leads to the exchange of ideas

New ideas can keep you growing professionally and trying new things. Hearing what other people are doing at their companies can also inspire you to bring other skills to that career. Whether you work for a small business or a large corporation, your fresh ideas can help you stand out and succeed in your current role.?

Discussing your work with new connections offers a unique perspective. It also enhances motivation and creative thinking. Having an industry mentor or connection outside your company is a valuable asset.?

3. Networking helps you meet people at various professional levels

Accessing higher-ups can be difficult in some organizations. This is where networking can introduce you to more experienced professionals. The opportunity to access their wisdom and career advice is key to your future growth.

These connections present new opportunities for mentorship and career development. This is why networking is so important. It also empowers you to share your skills. Professional networking with a co-worker who you admire can lead you to find a new mentor. It just takes a quick coffee or small talk at industry and networking events.?

Knowing people of various professional levels can also expose you to a wider variety of job opportunities. Once you develop a relationship with someone, you may be able to leverage their connections to get a foot in the door for a new role. This is why networking is so important.

4. Networking can make you more confident

Professional networking is an exercise in confidence, especially for people who are shy or introverted. That’s part of why so many people avoid it. However, once you find yourself discussing your shared interests with a new friend, you’ll see that networking isn’t so bad.?

Networking events are actually a great place to practice your confidence, even if you’re an introvert. Put yourself out there and speak about what matters to you. Developing new relationships helps you foster newfound confidence in your professional capabilities.

It can also help you gain confidence when it comes to social networking. Learning to face your fears in order to further your career can make meeting new friends less intimidating.

5. Networking expands your visibility

The more you discuss your ideas and point of view with your peers and listen to their input, the greater visibility you develop in that area. Successful thought leaders are often excellent networkers. They understand how to connect with other individuals in their arenas, how to communicate with them, and how to listen attentively. So, putting yourself out there can help you gain traction as a thought leader.

5 ways to network professionally.

1. Attending industry events: This can include conferences, workshops, and other gatherings where professionals in your field come together to share ideas, learn from each other, and make connections.
2. Participating in online communities: Online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or forums, provide a platform for professionals to connect and share information, advice, and resources.
3. Joining professional associations: Professional associations are organizations that represent a specific industry or profession, and they often offer networking opportunities, as well as educational and career development resources.
4. Seeking out mentorship or coaching: Building relationships with more experienced professionals can be a valuable way to learn new skills, gain insights into your industry, and make connections that can lead to new opportunities.
5. Leveraging social media: Social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, can be used to build your professional network by sharing your work and engaging with others in your industry.

Networking may have seemed like a necessary evil in the past. With these tools, though, you can now create meaningful and impactful relationships everywhere you go. Practicing your networking skills can help you become more confident and help you meet new, interesting people.

I had the luxury of speaking with some great connections this week:

Maina Bianca Azcueta

Susie Ceruto

Angela C.

Bruce Lindberg

Avianca Manning, M.A.

Please reach out to these great network connections if a career opportunity presents itself in your organization.

#SocialSaturday #MakingConnections #Networking