Networking is about developing long-term relationships for mutual gain and creating a lasting impression with people so that they think of you positively when an opportunity arises.
Why should you invest the time and energy to make your “net work”? There are hundreds of benefits, and here is a summary of my top 12.
Main Benefits:
Being active.
Being active is a benefit of networking. Believe it or not, by just getting yourself out there and connecting to people you are moving your career forward. By going to a networking party or group, you are taking the first step towards improving yourself and your business.
Opportunities.
There are always lots of opportunities that come from networking and in fact this is where the benefits of business networking are huge!
Career Opportunities.
Statistics show that networking is the best way to land a new job. Professional networking can expose you to jobs that aren’t posted online or in newspapers. Making others know that you are looking for a job, and what your expertise and experience is, could open career doors of opportunity.
More than ever, networking is critical to an individual’s success in business.
Shared Knowledge.
Networking is great for sharing ideas and knowledge. Whether it’s asking for feedback or discussing your point of view, it will help you expand your knowledge and allow you to see things from another perspective.
Connections.
It’s not WHAT you know, but WHO you know.
This is so true in business. Networking provides you with a great source of connections, and really opens the door to talk to highly influential people that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to easily talk to or find.
Increased confidence.
Networking will improve your Interpersonal Skills. By regularly networking, and pushing yourself to talk to people you don’t know, it will help increase your confidence.
Access to expertise.
You gain access to a huge range of outside input, expertise and experience.
The exchange of ideas.
Networking gives you the opportunity to bounce ideas off others – and to help them shape theirs.
Stimulation!
Networking opens doors, introduces you to new people, products, services and ideas and gives you the chance to get an experienced view and it’s stimulating; it shakes you up and keeps you on your toes.
Raising your profile.
It’s great for self-promotion. Being visible and getting noticed is a big benefit of networking. By regularly attending business and social events, people will begin to recognize you.
Positive Influence.
If you surround yourself with the right people then the attitudes, habits, worldview, and associations will rub off.
New Business Trends.
Networking can help you stay on the cutting edge of technology and new business trends.
Does anyone have success stories to share through networking?
Happy Networking! Looking forward to see you at our Exclusive PA Privé Network Evening on Tueday 29th July- 18.30hs at the 5* Montcalm at The Brewery London City Hotel.
If you enjoyed this article, you may appreciate our career advice about Career progression
