Building a network is essential in any type of career. It is the best way to keep your business sustainable while opening up a world of growth opportunities. Networking will build relationships with other professionals in your industry, which can lead to opportunities for you as well as your connections.
The larger your network is, the more connections are likely to arise. Ensure to cast your net wide, as you never know where the next opportunity will come from. Remember, networking is about sharing, and you may be able to help others as much as they can help you.
Why building professional connections and networking are important to build upon the business acumen you already have:
- Getting yourself noticed
Attend networking events, join groups, be in those meetings. All of these are places where you can show yourself to be knowledgeable and useful. Make yourself the first-person people think of when they want advice. This will help grow your network and business further and open more doors to you in the future.
- Employment opportunities
The larger your network, the more opportunities will arise. Whether it is a new job, a promotion, or new knowledge, the more connections you have, the more chances to improve will come your way. Look into how you can help others, too, as this will help grow your connections and profile in your industry further.
- Advice and support
Professional connections can answer the questions you can’t and help you with your challenges. Hopefully you will be able to offer them advice and strengthen your relationship with them.
- Confidence building
Knowing you have the support of a plethora of connections can give you the confidence to grow and take new steps, plus speaking to people who have done it before shows you how it can be done. While having that support network gives you confidence, putting yourself out there and meeting new people can boost your self-confidence and enhance your social skills.
- Gain new perspectives and ideas
Sometimes problems need to be looked at from a different angle. Reaching out to your network could easily solve an issue just by having a different set of eyes look it over. Struggling for inspiration? One of your connections might have the idea you are looking for or could give you a valuable tip on how to get inspired.
- Exchanging information and developments
Your connections might have access to information that you don’t, and you might know a technique that could help them. Keeping on top of developments in your field is a lot easier when all the available information is shared with like-minded people. Your network could contain a vast number of untapped resources.
- Making friends
Being in contact with lots of like-minded people who have similar ambitions to you will most likely develop into long-lasting friendships in some cases. Having an active social life and being around people who have similar interests to you is proven to improve your happiness both in and out of work, feeding your sense of purpose.
- Achieving your goals
Whether it is getting your dream job, growing your business to where you want it to be, or just getting on the path you want to be on, your network can help you achieve your professional goals. Speaking to people through doors that aren’t yet open can develop into a world of opportunities that were unavailable to you before. You may hear of a job opening that isn’t even advertised, get that piece of advice that unlocks the potential of your business, or even find that the path you wanted to be on has changed to an even happier one, all because of one introduction.
- Strengthen your network business connections
To ensure your connections remain strong, make sure you are helping others who need advice or support. Networking is a two-way street. Helping others when they need it and giving advice strengthens your brand and means you are more likely to receive help when you need it.
- Enhancing your profile
Showing your strengths to people in your industry is never a bad thing, as it keeps your name in the hat, so to speak. When recruiters and peers are discussing opportunities and openings, being someone who has recently been in contact or helpful will enhance your chances of being involved. So, attend those events, help others when asked, and be knowledgeable so you are the first name people think of when an opportunity arises.
- You never know who you might connect with
You may be networking to enhance your career opportunities, but that doesn’t mean that is all it will do. It could lead to help in your personal life too. Need a recommendation for a plumber? Your new connection might know just the person. Need to know how to get the best deal on flights? One of your connections has a travel expert in their network. Who knows, connecting with someone for a personal need may even lead to a business opportunity.
Have you tried networking before? or are you new to it? Don’t worry. It is not as daunting as you think:
The main thing to remember when networking is not to go in like a bull in a China shop; start by just making a connection. The conversation doesn’t even have to be about your business. It can be about a mutual hobby or someone you might both know. Nobody likes to feel that you are just using them for what they can do for you.
Do a little research before an event, think about who you want to reach out to and connect with so you can prepare some good conversation openers. The most important thing is to open a line of communication in the hope that it will lead to a mutually beneficial relationship.
So, who should be in your network?
Some of the people that should be in your contact list will be obvious, but some may surprise you. Here are some suggestions for who you should include and how to get in contact:
- Peers in your industry on LinkedIn and other similar professional networks. There are hundreds of digital networking sites, some of which might be specific to your field, so sign up and start browsing.
- Industry association members. Every industry has associations, trade organizations or unions which you can join, sign up for, and start connecting with.
- Current and former colleagues. Are you having conversations with your colleagues? Even a brief chat at the water cooler can lead to an opportunity. Open a line of dialogue with those past and present colleagues when you think connecting with them would benefit you both.
- Attendees of events, conferences, and expos linked to your industry. These are great places to network, as everyone is in the same boat. Remember, at first, it is just about making that connection and thinking about how you can benefit each other.
- Classmates, professors, and teachers from your relevant courses. You all have one thing in common, a passion for your industry. Utilize those connections by getting in touch. Social media is a good place to start or dig out that email. Looking at further study could enhance your connections, along with your knowledge. Depending on your industry, you could explore the business benefit of an MBA from Spring Abor University to further build on your network and standing.
- Friends or family members that are connected to your industry. It is a small world, and sometimes people close to you may have that connection you are looking for and just need a nudge. Whether it is at a party, family BBQ, or playdate, striking up a conversation about your business or work could lead to some common ground and potential connections.
- Recruiters who specialize in your field. It is always good to be on the mailing list of recruiters as they may have opportunities perfect for you or are working with new candidates that might be just the employee you are looking for.
- Virtual groups. Social media sites often have groups connected with your industry. Ask to become a member and watch your network grow at a click of a button.
What are your next steps to growing your network?
It can be daunting to start networking or contacting people, especially if you are new to the industry or company but remember taking the first step is always the hardest, and most people feel the same way. Put yourself out there. Create an online presence by joining digital professional networks like LinkedIn. Even Twitter can be useful for getting your name out there.
Sign up for any events that are associated with your industry. You never know who you might meet there. Join any associations or organizations connected with your industry and reach out to the other members. Make a list of everyone you know who might have connections to your industry and if you are not sure, ask them! Don’t worry if it starts small. Just one connection can lead to hundreds more, and you never know where those new connections will take you.
