85% of positions are filled through employee networks! Networking helps to open doors, make new contacts and build professional relationships. Everyone has heard the quotes “your network is your net worth” and “it's not what you know, it's who you know” numerous times. However, the importance of enacting changes in your business activity to incorporate networking is crucial.
Networking is used to increase opportunities for career advancement and business development by establishing relationships between yourself as a professional person and your business, and another business owner and their business for mutual benefit. The process involves intentionally seeking opportunities to grow and expand your network. For example, this can include intangible gains made by starting discussions or by meeting other business owners or individuals with expertise. The process is relatively straightforward and enables business owners to keep up with trends, while promoting your expertise and business in exchange for services, advice, experiences, knowledge or contacts.
Essentially, a network must be valuable in order to generate positive outcomes.
Follow these five tips to achieve success when networking.
There are three main areas where networking can be easily accessed and implemented.
A networking opportunity which is often overlooked is your own workplace. Taking the time and effort to get to know your colleagues is crucial to build relationships in a comfortable environment. Your colleagues already have something in common with you, hence, the conversation should flow effortlessly. Your colleagues have the potential to help you advance within your career and develop your career goals. You can engage with them by having a conversation in the break room through genuine, casual interaction and interest. Furthermore, as a business owner you have a valuable and unique opportunity to be a mentor and watch your colleagues succeed as a result of your support.
Networking for the purpose of developing your career is also important. The career development period is considered to start at your initial education and end at your retirement. During this period you can accelerate the pace of your career through clever networking to develop connections and learn from the experience of others. While your workplace may provide opportunity in terms of training and resources, you must continue your career development by connecting with other business professionals who can benefit you and your business.
Networking events are another opportunity for success at building professional relationships. At an event you have the opportunity to exchange information, ideas, professional contacts and increase your industry knowledge. Events are advertised frequently and can also be found through local community pages, business seminars, your university alumni page, mentoringship programs and by joining relevant clubs and groups.
Networking is key to the success of your professional career and your business as connecting with other business owners paves the way for new ideas, extra resources, and valuable connections. Networking provides opportunities for partnerships, joint ventures and new areas of expansion for your business.
Offering assistance to others when in a superior position can be beneficial and rewarding. Additionally, other professional’s may have the capability to assist you with problems and provide advice, which places you in a unique position to consider various viewpoints and learn from their prior experiences. Networking can also link you and your business to potential employees to hire when a position becomes.
Awkward encounters can arise when either yourself or the other person feels uncomfortable or unsettled. While you may feel awkward in the beginning, networking gradually becomes a learned experience that brings many opportunities for your business and personal career. Unavoidable awkward atmospheres can arise from simple aspects such as individual personalities, cultural conflicts and different corporate values. Some tips to communicate effectively with others include:
Moments where communicating seems difficult, are moments which offer the greatest learning and growth. Remember to be aware of the other person and what they are passionate about in order to keep the conversation flowing and build strong professional relationships.
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