Are Networking Events Worth Your Time? And How Do You Find Them?

We are all familiar with the old adage, “It’s all about who you know.” While reaching out to connections during the job-search process never hurts, we’re spotlighting a better way to approach things: Networking. Networking, during all seasons of your career, can help you develop a safety net and resources to pull from later.?

By Helen Harris

People have an inherent need to gather, talk, exchange ideas and know they have developed a “tribe” of sorts. But, besides fulfilling the basic need we have to socialize, networking goes a step further and enables teamwork.?

Oded Agam , Forbes Councils Member, reported, “We get things done more effectively in a group of colleagues or friends, whether in business, sports or non-profit organizations. Working together helps us solve big problems that require diverse expertise.”

This is a sentiment that Lou Adler , CEO of Performance-based Hiring Learning Systems and author of “Hire with Your Head” and “The Essential Guide for Hiring,” generally agrees with, particularly emphasizing that the value of networking is an ongoing process in someone’s career lifetime — not just during the job search process.?

Networking Is Best When You Don’t Need a Job

You’re busy: you work a full day, possibly have a commute, have family obligations and other personal responsibilities. So why would you add one more thing, such as networking, to your to-do list while you are happily employed??

Because the potential impact of networking on your career is invaluable.?

“Networking is critical,” said Demisha Jennings , career strategist and CEO of She Assists . “It has value at all stages of your career, particularly when you aren’t job searching. A lot of the time, people think that just because they're employed, they don’t need to network, attend events or put themselves out there. But as far as I'm concerned, there is no job security ever. You always need to lean into networking opportunities so that when future opportunities arise, you are the top candidate.”

Jennings’ statement is backed by a recent statistic in BetterUp , where Erin Eatough, Ph.D., reported that 23% of people submit resumes through friends or former colleagues (surpassing career sites as a means for submitting applications).?

Additionally, Eatough states that “... networking can bring interesting and relevant opportunities your way … A personal or LinkedIn connection may reach out about a role that’s perfect for you. They could also ask for your help to pursue a passion project. 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.”?

Jennings explains this concept of constant networking further, stating by always meeting new people and other professionals who know you and your professional worth, the job hunt down the road won’t be nearly as difficult.?

“When you network, you’re making your value proposition clear and letting others know what you can bring to the table — even if you're not looking for a job or even a role at their company,” said Jennings. “That way, maybe in a month or a year when you are looking for a position and see a job posting where one of your connections works, you can reach out — and they will already know how valuable you are from previous dialogues.”

Adding to the value of networking, Adler states that reaching out to connections only when you are searching for a job can potentially be a turn-off.

“If you are reaching out and developing cold relationships in a transactional process, it is not going to be very effective,” said Adler. “However, if you develop relationships amongst co-workers and like-minded people and really invest in your network, it will pay dividends in the future.”?

While the idea of “putting yourself out there” by attending networking events and meeting other professionals may seem intimidating or cumbersome, Jennings and Adler both explain that networking can happen anywhere.

Networking Events Can Be Anywhere?

“The whole idea of networking is using and leveraging LinkedIn to connect with people who can connect you to somebody else,” said Adler.

Jennings echoes Adlers’ sentiment, mentioning that networking can be virtual (such as LinkedIn) or looking into local groups in your community.?

“Sometimes the chamber of commerce, depending on your area, will have different networking events,” said Jennings. “Additionally, these events can generally be organized by career tier, such as a young professional network or a professional network in general where you can attend after working hours or before work meetings and have a cup of coffee, introduce yourself, get to know the people in your community and see what opportunities are out there.”

Jennings says even colleges might organize networking events for students to discover job openings or internship opportunities — and make valuable career connections pre-graduation.??

As you may realize by this point, networking will remain valuable at all ages and stages of your career. But if you’re new to the networking game, you may have some questions on how to begin.??

How To Get Started Networking

“You can just be very direct and say, ‘Hi, I came across your LinkedIn profile. Would you be open to a virtual coffee chat so I can get to know more about your organization? I'm in the market for a role at your company, and I would love some insight,’” said Jennings.?

While Jennings’ advice to message those professionals you’d like to talk with more on LinkedIn is a great option, Harvard Business Review (HBR) also offers three key tips to get started building your network :

1. Brainstorm who should be in your network. In the HBR article, William C. Byham writes, “Ask yourself, Who can help me? Who knows what’s going on? Who gets around roadblocks? Who are the critical links in the supply or information chain?”
2. Introduce yourself. Byham states that people are often more receptive than you might think. Pick up the phone (or walk over and shake hands), introduce yourself and why you want to get to know them.?
3. Networking goes both ways. Byham states that just as networking can be helpful to gain something in your career, you should also be willing to share information and help others when you can. “Reciprocate by sharing information you know will be useful, and stay in touch by, for example, sending people relevant articles once a quarter or congratulating your contact about a job change,” said Byham.

Above all, wherever you are in your career and for all forms of networking, Jennings suggests you prioritize your mindset over everything and “get out of your own way” to embrace the value that networking can bring.

(Editing by?Onjeinika Brooks )