Professional Networking: Building Relationships for Mutual Benefit

I’m always on the lookout for articles about networking. Here are a few snippets:

"It's not what you know, it's who you know that counts." That may sound unfair or calculating, but think of it this way: if no one knows about your skills, interests and projects, who's going to help you to make the most of them?

People with robust business networks tend to get more things done, more effectively. They learn from others with different strengths, and they use their contacts to help them achieve success in their careers.

The ability to develop and maintain a network of "business friendships" is a critical skill for every career professional.

Are there any gaps in your list of professional contacts?

Many people dislike networking or find it uncomfortable, but it needn't be difficult or a chore. It can be enjoyable and rewarding, and you're probably already part of more networks than you realise. You just need to recognise the benefits of networking, and build from there.

Why Network?

Networking allows you to exchange information quickly and easily, and so increase your efficiency and effectiveness. It can also open up new opportunities for collaboration and career development.

Let's look at the benefits of networking:

• Do Your Job Better

Information flows around organisations through formal and informal communication networks. So those who enjoy collaborative relationships with people in other departments can generally achieve more.

For example, having people in the accounts and IT support teams that you can approach for help and information will likely speed up your work. And being available to help others can establish your reputation as an "extra miler."

• Benefits to Your Organisation

Organisational and team structures change constantly. In this environment, your network of relationships with people inside and outside your organisation or team become more valuable than ever. They can help to "steady the ship" in turbulent times, and to break down silos.

• Developing Your Personal Brand

Volunteering for projects and activities is a great way to gain the experience you need to get ahead in your career. Having a broad personal network will give you many more opportunities to do this, and to enhance your personal brand.

For example, you might hear through your network about plans for a new project within your area of expertise. You could offer your services in some way, and this would likely be appreciated by the project manager, and give you experience of something that interests and challenges you.

• Boosting Your Career

Networking can help you to advance your career. More jobs are filled through networking than through advertising. [1] So having a network of contacts who are familiar with your accomplishments and interests is invaluable if you are looking to make a career move. In fact, if you work freelance, networking is essential.

How to Network

There are many different ways to network, from "working the room" at conferences to building virtual networks on LinkedIn or other social media channels.

The following six steps will guide you through the basic process.

1. Write Down Your Objectives

Look at what you hope to achieve from networking, and focus on that before you embark on any networking activity.

Maybe you're looking for a particular piece of information, or you want to form a network of specialised contacts. This will help you to decide who you need to speak to, and what you need to say.

2. Decide on Your "Offer"

Remember, networking is a two-way process. You'll find it much easier to make high-quality connections if you have something interesting and useful to offer.

This will differ for different groups of people. You can be sure that suppliers will be delighted to network with you! But you can also be sure that potential customers will steer clear of you if all you do is try to sell to them.

So, consider other ways you can be interesting to them. Do you have industry knowledge or insights that people might find useful? What particular skills have you got to offer?

3. Map Your Network

Write down a list of "communities" and individuals with whom you have – or would like to have – professional contacts. These might include:

• Your department or team.
• Other departments or teams in your organisation.
• Former colleagues or clients.
• Local business organisations.
• Professional organisations.
• Voluntary groups, such as a school board.

For each set of people, brainstorm what you can offer, and how you could make yourself interesting to them. Also, get a clear idea of the benefits that you could gain from the relationship.

So, consider other ways you can be interesting to them. Do you have industry knowledge or insights that people might find useful? What particular skills have you got to offer?

4. Identify Gaps

Go through your list of objectives and your offer to ensure that your network is as strong as possible. Look for gaps by asking yourself:

• Will your network or proposed network help you to meet your objectives?
• Are you making the most of what you have to offer?
• Which communities and individuals will most value what you have to offer?
• Do you need to widen your contacts in a particular field?

For example, you might have a great network in your current organisation, but if you want to gain wider industry recognition, you may need to network through professional associations or interest groups.

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

Thanks,

Robert