The Personal Benefits of Networking

I was stunned while reading this article entitled “The Personal Benefits of Networking”

Networking is vital for any young professional looking to build long-term business relationships and further their career goals. It will allow you to expand your network while simultaneously building your personal brand, inviting opportunities, and expanding your effectiveness within your organisation. Often times when discussing networking we focus on the professional development elements, but I want to go over additional ways networking can open doors.

Developing Long-Term Relationships

We all know making friends in adulthood can be quite challenging, between the balancing of our day-to-day operations within our professions and the limited time for extra-curriculars. Networking is a natural next step to build long-lasting relationships that don’t feel forced. Yes, these could start as being professional in nature, but it also opens the door to like-minded professionals that share common interests. These connections can oftentimes introduce you to deeper relationships and allow you to support each other personally, in addition to professionally.

Building Social Skills

Regardless of industries, many of us have experienced the virtual world over the last 2 years. With that, we have had to adjust our social skills, and many of us now have a different presence for in-person events or meetings. I have found networking events to allow young professionals to fine-tune their confidence and social skills! We can strengthen our people skills by forming these relationships, allowing for success both professionally and personally. As a Talent Acquisition Partner, I know that hiring managers share they are looking for specific “soft skills” such as communication or collaboration, and networking allows us to heighten these abilities.

Positive Health Benefits

I know you don’t normally think of the health benefits attached to networking, but forming relationships increases your mental and physical health. When we see others apply our advice and succeed, we get an emotional boost. It will increase the sense you belong and have purpose, and friendships can help beat stress. There is convincing evidence over many studies that humans are just better together.

Finding Inspiration

People tend to gravitate to those of the same industry, neighborhood, or even school. However, networking allows for an exchange of ideas and insight, and this will lead to new perspectives that you may not have considered before. Take a chance speaking to an individual you may not meet in your day-to-day and the opportunities are endless!

Just remember it’s never too early or late to invest in your network. Take the time to invest in yourself both professionally and personally, and remember “the worst networking mistake you can make is not trying at all”- Deena Baikowtiz

Want to know more? Head on over to the full article here for more ideas and perspective. Afterwards, why not drop me an email to share your thoughts at [email protected]; or call me on 0467 749 378.

Thanks,

Robert