What is networking?
In this piece of writing we will elaborate you that What is networking in business its importance benefits and Network strategies.
Networking is the action of working your network of contacts , exchanging relevant information based on collaboration and mutual help.
This action includes different activities aimed at careers and business, through the maintenance of productive interpersonal relationships.
Network or networking
The two terms come from English and have similar meanings, but there is a difference.
Network is the word used to describe a network, that is, a group of connected people – in this case, linked by professional interests.
The term networking, on the other hand, designates a network work, carried out from movements or actions of expansion, maintenance and improvement.
Purpose of networking in business
Making networking serves to build and strengthen relationships, helping and getting support for a number of demands.
After all, the network has information and access that can help you find job openings, get a promotion, contact and convince investors and potential customers.
Why is networking in business is important?
Who is not seen is not remembered.
This maxim makes perfect sense in many situations, including the job market.
In Internet times, it only takes a few clicks to connect with a universe of professionals and companies, so it is necessary to do something different and stand out.
Investing in networking is a smart solution in this context, as it attracts attention without putting professionalism aside.
Importance and power of the social network
Scheduling a happy hour, exchanging messages or audios in apps may seem superfluous for a career, but that’s not quite the case.
Despite working for companies, people relate to people and, therefore, those who bet on networking come out ahead in the corporate environment.
To get an idea, a survey released by The Adler Group consultancy states that 85% of job opportunities are filled through referrals from the network of contacts.
What are the benefits of networking in business?
There are numerous advantages of cultivating and investing in your professional network, whether as a worker or entrepreneur.
Below, we list the main ones.
for your career
- Professional growth opportunities
- Greater access to job vacancies
- Increases the possibilities of meeting people of interest
- Expansion of knowledge and professional improvement
- Support for answering questions
- Greater prominence among colleagues in your area and others
- Visibility with leaders and professionals working in recruitment
- It facilitates building a good reputation in the market.
for your business
- Raises the visibility of companies and brands
- Gives access to business opportunities, partnerships and customers
- Facilitates the recruitment of professionals aligned with the company’s mission and values
- Brings the entrepreneur closer to those who have implemented successful cases, enabling the benchmark to improve business performance
- Increases chances of scaling and expanding the enterprise
- Keeps the entrepreneur well informed about his market.
How to networking in business?
The first step in networking is to see the relevance of these actions, which can make a difference for you and your contacts.
Next, identify interesting people, who can be current and former colleagues, friends, acquaintances, and even family members who can add value to your network.
Also pay attention to your connections on social networks dedicated to the professional world, such as LinkedIn.
Below, we comment on other essential steps for the success of your strategy.
1-Participate in corporate events
Whether in person or online, corporate events or those focused on your area of expertise are great sources of good contacts for your network.
Therefore, select the meetings that interest you and attend, if possible, taking your business cards to facilitate future conversations.
2-Activate your contacts
It’s no use leaving an event with several business cards or new contacts on your smartphone, if not to continue the conversations.
You can keep an updated list with their information and send periodic messages via cell phone, email and/or social networks to maintain some proximity.
Just be careful not to overdo it and fill your network’s inbox every week.
Keep in mind that some individuals will become close, while others will only speak to you during meetings or events.
3-ask the right questions
In the dynamics of networking, it is natural – and even expected – to ask people more experienced than you for help.
However, most of them will have a hectic routine, which requires agility in solving problems.
So, if you have any questions or demands, be cordial, but also direct when asking for help.
4-Keep your network always informed
In addition to you, most professionals in your network will also be willing to help and share useful information.
However, they won’t be able to provide any support if they don’t know what’s new in their career or business.
Therefore, publicize your current status, sharing courses you are taking, new projects, seeking replacement in the market, etc.
If you know of opportunities relevant to your network, share them so that others can be helped.
