Power of professional networking

People are the backbone of any business. So, professional relationship networking is a must today. It means having contacts or relations with people from the industry or field.

According to LinkedIn global surveys, around 80% professionals recognize the need for networking. 70% were hired because of a connection. 35% have landed new opportunities because of a LinkedIn conversation. Such is the power of professional networking.

The goal of professional networking is to have a group of contacts outside your workplace, whom you can ask favors from or don’t mind doing favors for.

With various professional social networking sites like LinkedIn, networking is becoming easier. However only an online connection does not count as effective networking. You need to invest time and effort to build a relationship.

5 types of professional networks:

• Expansive: According to Forbes, this is a broad group of contacts. They can be people from within or outside your industry.
• Nodal: A more focused or ‘street smart network’ where you are aware of some details about your contact and the specific area, they can help you with.
• Operational: People who in some way are knowledgeable about your work.
• Strategic: Leaders or industry thinkers who can influence your long-term career planning.
• Personal: Former or present colleagues, alumni, social media connections and acquaintances.

Importance & impact

With the dynamic and extremely competitive global workplace market, the need for networking is huge. The ability to communicate and build strategic mutually beneficial connections is extremely advantageous. Atkinson (2000) states the importance of bacteria being part of a community or network ring. This applies to human beings also as good relationships make society harmonious and stress-free. Law (2009) has explained the influence of communities on people’s careers. Leverage the power of the community.

The importance of networking is immense. It can:

• Positively influence your company’s balance sheets.
• Lead to career advancement and even save you during layoffs.
• Find a mentor who can guide you professionally.
• Inform about job opportunities that are not advertised yet.
• Land your dream job and negotiate your salary better.
• Give insider information about a company – useful while considering a switch or client analysis.
• Give insight into the overall professional landscape.
• Offer new ideas, fresh perspectives, and new friends. 

By building strategic relationships you can unlock golden opportunities – jobs, promotions, sales opportunities and partnerships. You can improve your skills and knowledge, reignite your motivation and passion, provide solutions with like-minded people, map your career path and be the change you want to see in your industry and the world.

Building a professional network in the early stages of your career may seem daunting. However, its impact is tremendous. You do not have to attend all parties, scout for strangers, and burden yourself with the pressure of conversing. Here are some ways you can create and cultivate a professional network early on:

• Prioritize your objectives: Determine your needs and prioritize them. Then work on your target.
• Find something in common: Build authentic relationships. To strike a rapport with people, find something in common.
• Leverage people you have struck a chord with: Nurture relationships with those you have already impressed.
• Pay it forward: Be a giver. Help and recommend others.
• Evaluate your current situation: Set your short-term career goals and plan accordingly.
• Always be aware of new opportunities: Be at the right place at the right time. Put yourself before people you want to meet.

Tech networking 

Engage with people from your technical field. Techies usually land jobs through connections. People like to do business with, hire and recommend people they like. It enables knowledge-sharing and being updated on latest skills and market trends.

Tips for tech networking:

• Teams: Make teams of like-minded people to motivate each other, build contacts, generate job leads and brainstorm career decisions. Set achievable goals for networking and follow-up.
• Email: Email marketing to relevant people is in, especially in the early stages. This can be followed up with conversations.
• Informational interviews: Plan and set interviews with relevant peers, hiring managers or leaders to get an insight about the company culture and industry trends.

Non-tech networking 

Connect with people outside your field. Aggressively asking people about job openings makes you look desperate. Networking is about building lasting relationships. Connecting with people from diverse professional backgrounds boosts your personality. You learn more and appear more confident.

Tips for non-tech networking:

• Social gatherings: Connect with people in similar social circles.
• Internships: A great source of building professional networks.
• Hobbies: Connect with people with similar interests and hobbies.

A few tips for networking professionally

• Make it a habit: Bring networking in your daily routine. Add new connections daily.
• Practice social visibility: Connecting with relevant people on social networking sites, posting, commenting productively on others’ posts will keep you socially visible and ahead.
• A personal commitment: Sending personalized messages on social networking sites, communicating effectively and following-up is instrumental in building a robust network.
• Professional events: Select and attend relevant events, conferences, and workshops. This will enhance your knowledge and communication skills.
• Volunteering: Volunteering and participating in social causes is an excellent way to connect with people from various fields.

Final Verdict 

Professional networking is the key that can open many doors for you. Keep your eyes and ears open, be friendly, and open to helping others and the same will come back to you, even when you need it the most.