Awkward interactions with industry leaders, trying to sell yourself to the highest bidder and tasteless events are probably the first things on the minds of many people who hear the word ‘networking’. However, today you can't do without networking to improve your professional reputation, build long-term relationships and advance your career. So, networking events are all about meeting and getting to know outstanding people who you can help and expect to help you in return.
However, how do you network and why is net working so important? Many people continue to avoid networking because they don't know how to network and reap the benefits of it. Keep reading this article to find out how to do networking and make connections even if interacting with strangers scares you due to shyness.
Although networking comes in many forms, this article will focus on professional networking, which is a mutually beneficial interaction between people to exchange information, ideas, and insights. Not related to computer networks or the Internet, it involves people connected by a common industry, interest, or career. However, business networking can also be about interacting in an informal, more relaxed setting, such as socialising at an after-party or over a coffee during a break at work.
Whatever industry you work in, networking is an essential craft you must master to succeed in your future working life:
· It accelerates your learning by allowing you to learn from other people's mistakes and failed solutions, thereby learning from others' experiences.
· It allows you to find unconventional and non-trivial solutions to complex problems thanks to unexpected ideas and advice from members of other teams and companies.
· It gives you access to hidden career opportunities, as many projects and jobs never go public because some of them are offered through introductions.
· It helps you improve your understanding of the markets including current state and future trends.
Ultimately, productive networking will bear fruit in the form of lasting connections that can play an important role in the development of your career in the future.
So, now that you know what is networking, let's find out exactly how it can impact your future career. Here are a few reasons why it's important to your career success:
· You gain access to new knowledge and insights in different areas to adapt to changes and continue to stay competitive.
· You're opening doors to jobs unavailable to a wide range of candidates.
· You get feedback with an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.
In addition, networking can be something to support you when you move to a new job or even change career fields.
Stop thinking of networking as just exchanging business cards or politely speaking to colleagues at events. It's all about interaction where both parties feel understood and supported. Because meaningful and mutually beneficial connections are at the heart of networking, you need to prepare carefully for every meeting and every conversation.
A genuine interest in people is a critical foundation for effective networking. By learning to interact with your peers in a win-win format, you will become the go-to person for advice and guidance, which will influence your career development in the long run. Keep in mind that success also depends on your ability to maintain and strengthen existing relationships. Even taking small steps such as congratulating on professional successes or asking about affairs can help you make business relationships stronger.
As rewarding as networking can be, the reality is that it's an art not everyone can master. Even the thought of striking up a conversation with a stranger at an industry event can make you feel intimidated and panicky. However, by sticking to the three tips below, you'll be able to connect with new people and find a place for future meetings and discussions.
For most people, starting a conversation with a stranger is the most difficult and exciting part. However, by behaving naturally and confidently, you can successfully initiate a conversation without resorting to loud speeches or formulaic phrases. Try to lighten the mood by asking a simple but thoughtful question about what brought the person to the event.
You should also think about the structure and tone of your conversation. It is good practice to use a few pre-prepared open-ended questions about, for example, successful projects or participation in similar events. Try to show genuine interest and create an informal atmosphere to eliminate awkwardness and increase the value of the conversation for both parties.
When it comes to quick networking sessions, your flexibility and creativity are your best assets. Since they are time-limited, you need to be able to properly introduce yourself and ask precise questions to help you better uncover the person you are talking to. Try to demonstrate your energy and uniqueness to interest a stranger in just a few minutes.
It's hard to predict which contact will be the beginning of a great journey. So, treat each person with genuine interest. Talk briefly about your goals and sources of inspiration to establish initial closeness. With practice, you'll learn to pick up on the things that really matter to new contacts so that you focus on the key points during short networking sessions.
How to make your interlocutors remember you at events where there are hundreds or even thousands of guests? With a personalised approach and attention to detail, you can achieve this goal. Instead of a dry thank you, mention what you particularly liked about the speaker's words at the end of the conversation. Also, try sending a short message after the event reminding them of the topic you discussed to add value to your interaction.
So, the speeches from the stage have been made and even the grand afterparty has come to an end. However, this is not the time to relax as you will have to build effective follow-up interactions with your new acquaintances. Instead of simply reminding them of yourself, try to show that the interaction was meaningful to you.
Start with a personalised message highlighting unique moments from your conversation. In addition, share links to useful articles, exchange ideas for future communication, or even invite them to meet for coffee. Try to turn this into a regular communication rather than a one-off event to develop a mutually beneficial and productive partnership.
Don't be shy if you're the kind of person who thinks that business and professional networking are the same thing. While they have a lot in common, there are key differences to be aware of. For business, networking is a strategic tool focused on building connections leading to deals, contracts and increased revenue. In simple words, it's where every contact is viewed through the lens of mutual benefit. To succeed with business networking, you must be able to articulate a value proposition almost lightning-fast and highlight key points of value in your potential collaboration.
Unlike business one, professional networking is something that works for the future. By creating contacts at the level of knowledge sharing, support and career opportunities without a focus on immediate gain, you open yourself up to communities of experts. You need to be consistent and reputation-building orientated to turn casual acquaintances into professional allies over time.
More than finding someone interested in your field is required. He or she must be willing to engage with you on a deeper level than just a friendly conversation. Also, keep in mind that the value of a contact is not measured by their position, but by how seamlessly they fit into your professional environment.
Maintain a warm relationship even with contacts who do not benefit you at first glance, as your commitment to them can be a strong investment that pays off in the future in unexpected ways.
We live in the age of digital technology and social platforms. Use the power of LinkedIn to connect with the best in the industry regularly. This is how you will demonstrate your interest and engagement.
Attending regular meetings helps you stay visible and also gives you access to new knowledge not always available through formal channels. So, avoiding networking sessions will significantly limit your chances for career advancement.
While this discomfort is the norm, there are a few effective techniques to help alleviate it significantly. Pretend it's an old acquaintance to feel more confident. Also, emphasise what you can give to the person rather than what you can get from them.
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