Why You Should Be Networking – and How To Do It?
In today’s world, who you know is just as important as what you know (some might say it’s more important). Successful networking is a priority if you’re serious about getting ahead.
First, ask yourself a question, - how many networks do you belong to?
There’s a good chance it’s quite a few.
Dictionary definition - a group or system of interconnected people or things.
Networking is generally associated with work, where it’s more formally recognised, especially if you own your own business, but we network every day.
Our most important networks are not work based. Family, friends, hobby groups, sports teams even acquaintances for our basic networks.
For those that are work based, we are likely to be a member of several networks, immediate team, service colleagues, other internal connections, external networks of people in the same line of work as you, those in other organisations.
Any group, club, association, or tribe is a network.
So…
What are the benefits of being part of a network?
How do you grow effective connections?
Is networking on-line any different?
How do you start a networking conversation?
This document answers the first of these questions, you can find the answers to the others here. This document is aimed at professional networking, but much of what is discussed is applicable to non-work networks, so is useful in all walks of life.
Firstly, what are the top benefits of being part of a network – in other words why is it worth bothering?
Ten Benefits to Networking
1. It gets you noticed
This is particularly important in work networks, not only does it get the attention of those within the specific network you are in, but if you contribute/volunteer/provide support to others in the network, you are likely to be noticed by those outside the network too.
If you want to stand out from the crowd in relation to your profession, networking is a great way to get started. Write a paper for your professional network or speak at events. Add value to your network and people will start to talk about you.
You will develop a reputation as an expert and help opportunities come to you rather than you having to seek them.
2. It builds self-confidence
Many people are daunted about networking. How to start a conversation, how to talk about yourself without seeming pushy, even what to wear!
This is where thinking about your existing networks might help. If you joined a club for a hobby, what did you do when you first started there? Your hobby was a shared interest so that’s probably what you initially talked about.
Think about what you might have in common with other attendees. It doesn’t have to be business related - has the weather been awful and made commuting difficult? Have you all just seen the same presentation? Is there something interesting about the venue you can chat about?
Once you have stepped out of your familiar zone and made the first event, it quickly gets much easier.
The more you do it the more your self-confidence is boosted, and your social skills improve. Your increased confidence will come across to others. This will help establish you more. These are skills that you can use in all walks of life.
Don’t be afraid to join several networks, there’s nothing in the rules that says you are only allowed to join one!
3. It’s somewhere you can improve your knowledge
Networking allows you to meet people from different fields and sectors to your own. You can find out where your work complements someone else's - perhaps in an area you’d not thought about before. Just becoming more aware of what other people do and understanding more about them improves your knowledge.
Networks can be surprisingly diverse. You can have some very unexpected and interesting conversations, sometimes these connections develop into friendships and opportunities to widen your skills.
4. It develops communication skills
Networking forces you to interact with people. You practise your verbal and non-verbal communication skills. You may be there to tell others about your business, and therefore be able to talk effectively, getting your message across in a short period of time. You also need to be able to pay attention effectively when others are talking to you. You must use positive body language.
The more you practise these essential skills the better you will become at getting your message across to others with precision and clarity.
5. It’s a great opportunity to advertise
The CEO of MyCorporation, Deborah Sweeney, explains that ‘Networking is a fantastic opportunity for individuals, especially entrepreneurs, to get in front of other professionals that may be interested in learning about what you do and your start-up’s offerings. Making these connections can provide endless benefits for entrepreneurs.’
Establishing and maintaining business connections within networks allows you to build other’s trust, and demonstrate why you and your product/service are worth investing in.
Even if the people you are networking with aren’t ever likely to be your direct customer - they are likely to know someone who is. Networking gives you the chance to make yourself memorable, so that those you meet can refer you to their other connections.
6. You can gain support from those more experienced than you
This is particularly useful if you are new to starting out. Networking gives you the opportunity to meet others, both within and outside your area of knowledge, who are ‘further down the line’ than you. They can offer advice based on their experience, and the chance to learn from their ‘mistakes’.
You can also ask directly for specific advice.
Especially if you are managing your own business it can be difficult working things out for yourself. By networking with others you can often resolve issues much more quickly than if you tried to work it out on your own.
If you deliberately mix with others who are more advanced than you then you are more likely to improve your own knowledge and skills and achieve more than if you just associate with your peers. Their success will motivate you to do better yourself.
7. It helps you develop your pitch
Your pitch needs to be brief, compelling and show off your brand - ideally you want it to invite questions from those you are speaking to.
Networking gives you the platform for trying different approaches - intriguing first lines, definition of your niche, what your USP is etc.
Often you will have a minute or less to get your message across, so this kind of practise is invaluable for honing your pitch so that your brand grabs people’s attention.
8. You get to help others
Helping others is a great way of getting yourself noticed, but don’t do it just for that reason. As you become more established you can support others in the way that networks supported you when you started out. Not only will the individual(s) appreciate your assistance, but they are likely to tell others.
By networking you are more likely to come across people who will benefit from your advice and support. This is a great way to become more noticeable within your sector.
9. It keeps you in touch
By meeting up regularly with others within the same business area as you it helps you keep up with the latest legislation, trends, or proposed changes, and whether your skills are up to date.
Essentially it keeps you on the ball.
10. It can result in long lasting relationships
Having many connections is not only good for your business, but it’s likely to result in making some enduring relationships, sometimes even friendships.
These relationships could be key to your success in the future, helping you meet people who could be beneficial to your career, or referring you to those in need of your product/service.
However, these relationships will not just happen. Like personal relationships they need maintaining, and you need to keep in touch outside of the formal network.
Now we’ve established why networking is essential, and what the benefits are, how do you go about networking and building those productive relationships?
For networking ‘how to’ click here.
