networking

Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:39:23 +0000

Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important Anonymous (not verified)

Active professional networking is vital to career growth. Many shudder when they hear the term networking, associating it with awkwardness, cheesy events and the idea of ‘selling’ yourself.

However, despite its off-putting connotations, building networks is essential to forging long-term relationships and establishing a good professional reputation over time. It involves meeting and getting to know key individuals – people who you can assist, and who can potentially help you in return.

When you participate in career-focused networking opportunities, they can:

Strengthen your network business connections
Raise your professional profile
Get access to job opportunities
Exchange best practice knowledge with your network
Build your confidence
Find your dream job

Start your job search

The importance of networking

Networking is an essential craft to master, no matter what industry you work in or your level of experience. Good industry networking has a basis of trust and support – and can mean the difference between a mediocre career and a phenomenal career.

With the right approach, people networking can provide the opportunity to build mutually beneficial relationships with other professionals in your industry. Once you’ve established a solid professional network, you’ll be the first to know about job opportunities in your field and front of mind for anyone in your network who is seeking to hire someone with your skills and experience.

Who should you include in your professional network?

Having the right contacts in your professional network can help maximise your career growth and learning opportunities. Consider building your industry network with people from the following groups:

Current and former colleagues
Classmates/study peers
Professors/teachers
Friends or family members in your industry
Members of relevant industry associations, sporting teams, social and interest-based groups or religious communities
Peers from digital professional networks such as LinkedIn
Recruiters who specialise in your field

Examples of professional networking

Networking can include everything from an informal chat at a neighbour’s barbecue to attending a specialised industry networking event. In any case, the goal is to open the lines of communication and start building relationships that are relevant to your work and career.

Common examples of professional networking include:

Joining industry associations or clubs
Getting involved in networking events, expos, conferences or careers fairs
Connecting with and reaching out to relevant professionals on LinkedIn
Meeting recruiters
Keeping in touch with former colleagues
Getting to know current colleagues
Volunteering and participating in community events
Attending industry meet-ups
Joining virtual groups and communities

The biggest benefits of networking

Here are 12 reasons why you should consider building work-related networks:

1. Strengthen your network business connections

Networking is about sharing, not taking. It is about forming trust and helping one another toward goals. Regularly engaging with your contacts and finding opportunities to assist them helps to strengthen the relationship. By doing this, you sow the seeds for reciprocal assistance when you need help to achieve your goals.

2. Tap into your network for ideas

Far from it being a nuisance, most people love being asked for help – it’s flattering and makes them feel useful. If you’re struggling with a decision, challenge or new direction, calling up a trusted former colleague, mentor, teacher or friend to organise a coffee can be beneficial to both of you, as they will in turn think of you when next they have a challenge.

Offering helpful ideas in return is an excellent way to build your reputation as an innovative thinker.

3. Raise your professional profile

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in career building. Regularly attending professional and social events will help make your face known.

Create value for other attendees by listening carefully, following up on conversations, remembering names, and offering your knowledge and expertise.

You can then help to build your reputation as being a knowledgeable, reliable and supportive member of your profession by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.

Raising your profile within professional circles will also help you stand out to recruiters, who are always on the lookout for strong talent and who may be more likely to approach you with offers.

4. Grow your personal brand

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in career building. Regularly attending professional and social events will help to get your face known. You can then help to build your reputation as being knowledgeable, reliable and supportive by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.

5. Get access to job opportunities

Expanding your contacts can open doors to new opportunities for business, career advancement, personal growth, or simply new knowledge. Actively building networks helps to keep you top of mind when opportunities such as job openings arise and increases your likelihood of receiving introductions to potentially relevant people or even a referral.

Don’t forget that many jobs don’t even get advertised – particularly as your career advances – so being a recognised part of networks is a key way to gain access to opportunities that you might not have otherwise.

6. Exchange best practice knowledge with your network

Networking is a great opportunity to learn about the business techniques of your peers and stay abreast of the latest industry developments. A wide network of informed, interconnected contacts means broader access to new and valuable information.

The opportunity to gather new information is an often-overlooked benefit of networking, as it’s not the most obvious one, but it also offers career progression and development.

It’s a good idea to actively ask your contacts about developments and techniques, but also to keep an eye on what kinds of articles your contacts are sharing on LinkedIn – don’t forget to comment to let them know that you’ve appreciated the piece. And don’t discount the insights of people from other industries – they may be able to offer new angles you hadn’t previously considered.

7. Get career advice and support

Gaining the advice of experienced peers is an important benefit of work-related networks. Discussing common challenges and opportunities opens the door to valuable suggestions and guidance. Offering genuine assistance to your contacts also sets a strong foundation for receiving support in return when you need it.

8. Build your confidence

By continually putting yourself out there and meeting new people, you’re effectively stepping outside your comfort zone and building invaluable social skills and self-confidence that you can take with you anywhere. The more you network, the more you’ll grow and learn how to make lasting connections.

9. Gain a different perspective

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of your professional realm and end up in a rut. By networking, you can gain insights that only come from viewing a situation with fresh eyes. Asking for opinions from contacts you trust or admire can help you see things in a new light and overcome roadblocks that you might not have known how to circumvent otherwise.

10. Develop long-lasting personal relationships

Of course, the point of networking is to develop and nurture professional relationships, but some of the strongest and most long-standing friendships are borne from work connections. Your networking contacts are probably like-minded people with similar goals as your own, so it’s not unlikely that your professional support network will spill over into your personal friendships.

11. Get an answer to every question

As long as you have a strong network of professional connections, you can be confident that someone within your sphere will be able to answer even your toughest questions. And, if there’s no definitive answer, you’ll have a solid sounding board to bounce ideas off and put into action step-by-step plans to tackle bigger problems.

12. Find your dream job

Professional networking opens many doors in the form of career advice, lasting relationships and even landing your dream role. You never know who might be hiring for your ideal job, or know someone who is, and the more people you have in your network, the likelier you are to be the first to know when those big job opportunities pop up.

How to start networking

As much as building networks is beneficial to your career and even your personal life, the reality is that it doesn’t come naturally to many people. In fact, for some, the thought of starting a conversation with a stranger at a conference or event incites downright dread.

A good rule of thumb is to plan ahead and have a few relevant points of discussion in mind if you know you’re going to be in a situation where you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people. These conversation points don’t have to be all about work – they can even be about topics like hobbies or the event itself. The idea is to get the conversation flowing and leave room for future meetups and discussions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Here are the most commonly asked questions on networking and its benefits for your career.

What are the benefits of networking?

The benefits of networking include access to job opportunities, professional connections, career advice, new ideas, and valuable information. Networking also helps with personal and business growth, building relationships, and gaining a competitive edge in your industry.

Why is networking important in the workplace?

Networking in the workplace benefits everybody involved. It is important because it helps build professional relationships, strengthen your soft skills, opens doors to new opportunities, and facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices. It also aids in career development, personal growth, and business success.

How can I take advantage of networking opportunities?

You can make the most of networking opportunities by attending networking events, industry associations, and conferences. Engage with professionals on social media platforms like LinkedIn, participate in virtual networking events, and join professional groups to establish a strong professional network.

How can professional networking help my career development?

Professional networking can assist your career development by providing access to job opportunities, career advice, and resources. Building a strong network of industry professionals can also contribute to your career progression, personal growth, and long-term success.

What is the importance of attending networking events?

Attending networking events is essential for building professional relationships, expanding your personal network, and gaining access to valuable resources. These events provide opportunities to meet other professionals, share ideas, and learn about the latest trends and business techniques.

How can I improve my networking skills?

You can enhance your networking skills by practising small talk, attending networking events, engaging with professionals on social media platforms, and seeking advice from experienced networkers. Also, consider following networking tips and resources to help build strong connections and maintain long-lasting relationships.

How does networking help with job search and career opportunities?

Networking can help you discover new job opportunities, gain career advice, and increase your chances of being recommended for positions. A strong professional network can also help you stay updated on the latest industry developments and provide insights into the job market.

Can networking also benefit my personal life?

Yes, networking can benefit your personal life by helping you develop long-lasting friendships, build self-confidence, and expand your circle of contacts with shared interests. These connections can enrich your life and offer support in various aspects of your personal journey.

How can I overcome my fear of networking?

To overcome your fear of networking, practice making small talk, attend social events, and focus on building connections based on common interests. Remember, networking is a two-way street, and it involves meeting others with similar goals and experiences, so don't be afraid to share your ideas and ask for help.

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Michael Page

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The benefits of networking in person and online

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 13:24:22 +0000

The benefits of networking in person and online Anonymous (not verified)

Active networking is vital to career growth. Many shudder when they hear the term networking, associating it with awkwardness and the idea of ‘selling’ yourself. However, despite its reputation, networking is actually about building long-term relationships and an elevated profile within your industry or field of expertise.

Good networking is done on a basis of trust and support. Doing networking right can mean the difference between a mediocre career and a phenomenal one. Anyone can be good at networking and with the help of technology, not all networking needs to be done in person.

Here are a few benefits of networking on your career and some tips for becoming an expert at the craft, whether in person or online.

Benefits of networking

Effective networking can have lots of benefits on your career, including:

1. Strengthen business contacts and connections.

This can be done by referring contacts for roles that you hear about, forwarding articles relevant to their interests or career, arranging introductions with mutual contacts and simply congratulating your networks via LinkedIn when they reach a career milestone or get a new job.

2. Get fresh ideas

Your network can be an excellent source of new perspectives and ideas to help you in your job. Exchanging information on challenges, experiences, best practices, business techniques and goals is a key benefit of networking because it allows you to gain new insights from collective experience. Similarly, offering helpful ideas to a contact is an excellent way to build your reputation as an innovative thinker.

3. Advance your career

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in building your career. Regularly attending professional and social events will help to build up your professional profile, which in turn keeps you top of mind when new opportunities and job openings arise.

Professional networking opens many doors in the form of career advice, lasting relationships and even landing your dream job.

4. Build confidence

5. Develop long-lasting personal relationships

Of course, the point of networking is to develop and nurture professional relationships, but some of the strongest friendships are borne from work connections. Your networking contacts are probably like-minded people with similar goals as your own, so it’s not unlikely that your professional support network will spill over into your personal friendships.

While networking is sometimes considered a self-serving activity, it’s far more about mutual benefit and the opportunity to learn, grow and teach. Having a large and healthy network can lead to strong career fulfilment as well as progression and opportunities.

Tips for effective networking in person

When attending a networking attempt, remember to:

Be prepared

If you are the host of the networking event, make sure you have all the necessary materials ready, such as name badges, business cards and brochures about your business. If you’re attending an external networking event, make sure you have something to contain all the business cards you collect. If you get flustered when talking to people, try to rehearse what you’ll say beforehand.

Set yourself a target

A networking event is not a social gathering – you are there to achieve something. Set yourself a target, such as the number of people you want to talk to or be introduced to. If the number is 10 or 15 people, make sure you leave with 10 or 15 business cards.

Don’t focus on selling

Remember: Networking is about developing relationships – so don’t try to close a deal. You’re not there to do business or secure a job, you’re there to meet valuable contacts. Your main focus should be getting to know more people and their contact information to potentially work with them in the future, so avoid any sales pitches or business propositions.

Talk and listen

You’ve got to talk to people – but you’ve also got to listen to what the other person is saying. Often, networking isn’t just about fulfilling your own objectives, but also in helping others fulfil theirs. Maintain eye contact with the other person when he or she is talking and ask meaningful follow-up questions to show that you have been paying attention. Be genuine and authentic in your communication and you will likely leave a lasting impression on your new contact.

Tips for effective online networking

Even while social distancing, you can still network - just adjust the way you do things.

Give referrals

Seek out opportunities not only for yourself, but for others in your network. By looking out for ways to connect people, you’ll make strong business connections yourself, and your contacts will remember you for it. Online, connecting with peers is even easier - send a quick introduction email to both parties and leave them to make a deeper connection from there.

Revisit contacts that are already in your network

Your network includes everyone from friends and family to work colleagues and members of groups to which you might belong – sporting teams, social and interest-based groups, professional associations, religious communities, alumni organisations, and digital networks, such as on LinkedIn or Twitter.

If you network well, it shouldn’t feel like you’re using these networks to further your career. Rather, you should be building strong relationships with people of similar or complementary interests, with both self-growth and mutual benefits in mind.

Use LinkedIn

Speaking of digital networks, LinkedIn is your strongest tool for networking online. Share interesting articles on LinkedIn, contribute to the conversation yourself through publishing Pulse articles and keep an eye on what articles your contacts are sharing. Make comments on other articles, whether to participate in a friendly debate or just to say thank you for writing the piece. And don’t discount the insights of people from other industries – they may be able to offer new angles you hadn’t previously considered.

Follow up

Most of important of all, whether in person or online: Follow up! Follow up with your newly-formed contact the day after events if you are running a business, suggest interesting collaborations for the both of you. If you have connected on LinkedIn, chat with them to say hello or to send new information. Also, if you have promised to connect your new contact to someone you already know, do so, or risk undermining your credibility, or simply losing an opportunity to make a great connection.

Informal networking opportunities

Networking doesn’t only have to be done at formal events or on LinkedIn. Any gathering, even social or informal can be an opportunity to network - as long as you don’t push it. Don’t start handing out business cards while getting together with some friends for a happy hour - it can feel rushed or insincere. But if in the course of a conversation, it becomes clear that there’s a connection to be made, don’t hesitate to suggest meeting someone again in a more formal setting, or exchanging contacts to continue the conversation.

Go forth and network

Like anything, practice makes perfect. The more you network, the better you get at it, and eventually, it will start to feel more like a natural part of interacting with peers in a professional setting. For more career advice, read through our collection of articles cultivated for professionals in Singapore.

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Michael Page

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10 networking tips that will work for anyone

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 00:17:01 +0000

10 networking tips that will work for anyone Anonymous (not verified)

Networking can be nerve-wracking, but building a wealth of contacts is often invaluable to your career.

1. Be prepared

If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail, Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers once said.

RELATED: 6 benefits to networking

2. Set yourself a target

3. Don’t have a set agenda

Remember: Networking is about developing relationships – so don’t try to close a deal. You’re not there to do business or secure a job, you’re there to meet valuable contacts. Your main focus should be getting to know more people and their contact information to potentially work with them in the future. So avoid any sales pitches or business propositions.

4. Be a good guest

If you’re attending a networking event, it is important to be a good guest. Make sure you are not complacent and avoid sitting in the corner by yourself – otherwise nobody will talk to you. If you don’t make the effort to get to know people, you’ll miss out on opportunities. Be friendly and open when you speak to people, and if you see someone sitting alone, go and say ‘hello’.

5. Talk and listen

6. Give referrals

Continuing on from the previous tip — even if you get the impression that the person you’re talking to isn’t relevant to your business, but you know of someone else at the event that may be of interest to them, you can refer them to the other person. This will help you to make good business connections as your contacts will remember you as the referrer.

7. Take two business cards

At networking events there is a lot of exchanging of business cards – when talking to someone, ask for two business cards. Don’t just take one for yourself, but also take one for someone you may know who may be interested in your new contact’s business, which ties in with the point above.

8. Time management

It is important to keep track of time at networking events. If it’s a breakfast seminar, then you will only have about 30 to 45 minutes to network and if you’ve given yourself the goal of talking to 10 people that gives you about three to four minutes with each person. So make sure to manage your time effectively – don’t spend 20 minutes talking to someone you already know or have met at a previous networking event, but rather spend your time talking to new people.

RELATED: 10 tips to working smarter

9. Write everything down

If you don’t have a great memory, keep a pen and paper in your pocket and write everything down. If you’re going to meet 10 people in an hour you can’t guarantee yourself that you will remember the finer details of your conversation with each person, so it’s best to keep a written record of who you’ve spoken to and their line of business, along with a few details to jog your memory.

10. Follow up

Most of important of all: Follow up! Follow up with your newly-formed contact the next day and, if you are running a business, suggest interesting collaborations for the both of you. Also, if you have promised to connect your new contact to someone you already know, do so, or risk undermining your credibility. Chances are, if you don’t follow up with your new contacts within one to two days, you’ve just wasted the entire networking event.

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How to select and prepare referees for a job application

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 07:45:26 +0000

How to select and prepare referees for a job application Anonymous (not verified)

Referees play a crucial role in your job search by adding a third party perspective of your work ethic, skills, and strengths for any prospective employer. Their references can make or break your chances of securing your next role, so it is critical that you choose the right people, maintain those relationships and properly brief them on the roles you apply for.

Read these tips to ensure you obtain the best possible references for your resume.

1. How to choose your referees

It is important to have a strong collection of current, relevant referees on hand to support you in your job search. Choose referees who:

You have worked with closely within the last five years
Are fully aware of your strengths and will speak highly of you
Can verify and discuss your skills, experience and abilities in detail

Such people could be past or current managers, managers from other departments with whom you’ve worked closely, external clients, suppliers or colleagues. Be sure to get their permission before listing them as referees and check that their titles and contact details are correct and up to date.

2. Consider which referees will best present your case

It’s an unfortunate truth that even if someone is sure to speak highly of you and can attest to your strong work ethic and diverse skillset, they may still not be the best option as a resume referee.

This is because not everyone is adept at communication, particularly over the phone, which is how most referee interviews are held. For example, this person may be known for tripping over their words, mumbling, speaking in a monotone voice, or failing to respond to questions with clear and concise answers.

While these cases are not that common, it may be an important factor to consider, especially if you have other referee options that can speak eloquently and with enthusiasm.

3. How to brief your resume referees

You should properly prepare your referees so they are not surprised by the call, and are in a strong position to give you a positive reference. Let them know that you are job hunting and will contact them when a reference is required. When that time comes, provide them with a description of the role you have applied for and details on who will be contacting them and when.

You may want to share your thoughts on how your experience and personal attributes are relevant to the new role. This allows the referee to reinforce aspects of your past performance that will show you in the best light.

4. Maintain your references

Keep in regular contact with your referees so that the relationship remains strong and they have a positive opinion of you when the call comes. Keep them informed on your job search activities and let them know that you’d be happy to act as a referee for their own resume should the need arise.

5. Match your referees to the job

Put together a small collection of potential references that you can call upon during your job search. This way, you can match two or three that would best suit the role you are applying for.

For example, say the job you’re applying for requires strong leadership skills. In this case, you may be best passing on details of someone who has worked under you who can personally attest to what it’s like having you as their manager. Or perhaps the role is all about communication skills, in which case a client could be a good pick, as communication is a huge part of successful client relationships.

6. Don’t forget to thank your referees

Regardless of the outcome, always take the time to give your referee a call, or send them a quick email, to say thank you. If you are successful in the job application, consider reaching out to your referees with a thank you card or small gift to show your appreciation.

Looking for a career change? Browse current job opportunities, submit your CV or get in touch with one of our consultants to find out how we can assist and support your job search process.

Michael Page

Summary

Your resume references are often the last step before a formal offer from your potential employer. The role of a resume referee is crucial in verifying your skills, employment history, and additional information you’ve spoken about in your CV and interview.

Have a selection of good referees on hand and maintain these relationships so that when you are job seeking, your referees are prepared and willing to speak highly of you.

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Benefits of networking

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 06:45:55 +0000

Benefits of networking Anonymous (not verified)

Active networking is vital to career growth. Often confused with selling, networking is actually about building long-term relationships and a good reputation over time. It involves meeting and getting to know people who you can assist, and who can potentially help you in return.

Your network includes everyone from friends and family to work colleagues and members of groups to which you belong.

Here are some of the key benefits of networking:

Strengthening relationships

Fresh ideas

Your network can be an excellent source of new perspectives and ideas to help you in your role. Exchanging information on challenges, experiences and goals is a key benefit of networking because it allows you to gain new insights that you may not have otherwise thought of. Similarly, offering helpful ideas to a contact is an excellent way to build your reputation as an innovative thinker.

Raised profile

Being visible and getting noticed is a benefit of networking that’s essential in career building. Regularly attending professional and social events will help to get your face known. You can then help to build your reputation as knowledgeable, reliable and supportive by offering useful information or tips to people who need it.

Access to opportunities

Expanding your contacts can open doors to new opportunities for business, career advancement, personal growth, or simply new knowledge. Active networking helps to keep you top of mind when opportunities such as job openings arise and increases your likelihood of receiving introductions to potentially relevant people or even a referral.

New information

Networking is a great opportunity to exchange best practice knowledge, learn about the business techniques of your peers and stay abreast of the latest industry developments. A wide network of informed, interconnected contacts means broader access to new and valuable information.

Advice and support

Gaining the advice of experienced peers is an important benefit of networking. Discussing common challenges and opportunities opens the door to valuable suggestions and guidance. Offering genuine assistance to your contacts also sets a strong foundation for receiving support in return when you need it.

Join over 60,000 readers!

Get a free weekly update via email here and help kick start your career.

networking

Top 12 benefits of networking: Why networking is important

The importance of networking

Who should you include in your professional network?

Examples of professional networking

The biggest benefits of networking

1. Strengthen your network business connections

2. Tap into your network for ideas

3. Raise your professional profile

4. Grow your personal brand

5. Get access to job opportunities

6. Exchange best practice knowledge with your network

7. Get career advice and support

8. Build your confidence

9. Gain a different perspective

10. Develop long-lasting personal relationships

11. Get an answer to every question

12. Find your dream job

How to start networking

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What are the benefits of networking?

Why is networking important in the workplace?

How can I take advantage of networking opportunities?

How can professional networking help my career development?

What is the importance of attending networking events?

How can I improve my networking skills?

How does networking help with job search and career opportunities?

Can networking also benefit my personal life?

How can I overcome my fear of networking?

Join over 60,000 readers!

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Topics

Popular Articles

The benefits of networking in person and online

Benefits of networking

Tips for effective networking in person

Tips for effective online networking

Informal networking opportunities

Go forth and network

Join over 60,000 readers!

Job Match

Topics

Popular Articles

10 networking tips that will work for anyone

1. Be prepared

2. Set yourself a target

3. Don’t have a set agenda

4. Be a good guest

5. Talk and listen

6. Give referrals

7. Take two business cards

8. Time management

9. Write everything down

10. Follow up

Related articles you may find interesting

Summary

Join over 60,000 readers!

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Topics

How to select and prepare referees for a job application

1. How to choose your referees

2. Consider which referees will best present your case

3. How to brief your resume referees

4. Maintain your references

5. Match your referees to the job

6. Don’t forget to thank your referees

Summary

Join over 60,000 readers!

Advertise Your Role With Us

Topics

Benefits of networking

Strengthening relationships

Fresh ideas

Raised profile

Access to opportunities

New information

Advice and support

Other articles you may find interesting

Summary

Join over 60,000 readers!