Why networking is important for professional (and personal) success
Okay, okay, I get it - Networking can suck. It can be awkward, weird, uncomfortable, embarrassing and downright draining, depending on your personality. However, done right, Networking can also be amazing - it can be fun, interesting, exciting, lead to lifelong friendships and mutually beneficial relationships as well as give you a foot up in your career! Yes, really! No, not only for extroverts, but for literally eeeeeveryone! Don’t believe me? This is all about showing you the benefits and how to reap them for yourself and your career if you put in the effort to Network (even just a little) (even if you seriously hate networking) (I’ll make it fun, I swear!).
What's that saying? The only mistake in Networking is not doing it. And who knows? That embarrasing moment may make a great story and serve as an icebreaker next time around!
First of all, what even is Networking, really?
Networking is not about forcing yourself into uncomfortable situations. It’s not about begging for favors or just chatting up everyone you meet. Networking is about establishing and nurturing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. It can be done anywhere - whether at the coffee shop where you're ordering your morning coffee, a friends' wedding, a work conference, a sports club or (the horror!) an official "Networking event" (Jk, I’m one of those weirdos who really loves Networking events, but even if you don’t, there are all the other options for you!).
Why is it so important?
No one is an island. It has been scientifically proven multiple times over that success is often about the network we have built and the support of the people around us - whether it is mentors we have impressed, good friends or even random people we met getting our morning coffee. Who knows, they may turn out to work at the company we've been wanting to work at and be willing to recommend us. The opportunities are endless and we all depend on them to some degree. Some of the benefits that come with a great network are:
An extra library of resources
In our day-to-day jobs we often only connect with people in our field, whereas the work we do, especially as we advance in our career often requires us to think across departments and industries. Having a strong network with a variety of people, there is most likely someone willing and able to help you out when you encounter an issue in an unfamiliar area. As one of my friends tends to say: “My network is my google, for real!”
Staying on top of recent developments in your field
Networking at work or at industry conferences allows for a bigger network than "just" your direct colleagues. That network will be who keep you on your toes and ensure you're not getting complacent or loose track of what's happening in your industry and area of expertise. It's a great way to find people with whom to bounce ideas off, discuss new developments and spot the latest trend!
It's an avenue for new opportunities - meet prospective mentors, partners, clients
Networking in any circumstance gives you access to endless opportunities - whether you're looking for a new job, a mentor, a partner to set up a business, clients, … Your network is the first place to look! If you've taken the time to develop a network of ambitious and engaged people, there's again most likely someone who needs what you've got to offer and vice versa.
Support from great and successful people
People want to help each other. Success is never a straigth line and everyone has passed through hurdles in their career development. Connecting with people who have done it, they will be able to support you in managing your own challenges more effectively - either with advice, support or by connecting you to the people you need at the time!
Become a successful Networker
Pretentious much, right? For real, though, when it comes to great networking, there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach. We all have our individual styles of connecting and are comfortable in different situations. Whether you're more comfortable in more intimiate, smaller meetings or shine during large events and conferences, no one way is better than the other. You need to figure out what works for you and then use that to your advantage. Ideally you'll meet people with common interests, whether personal or professional - think about what you're passionate about and the types of people with whom you're most comfortable and work from there: Join a swim team, a theater club, book club or volleyball team, volunteer or help out at a community organization. The common interest will ensure there is "automatic" common ground that you can build on to foster a relationship and you'll even have fun (shocker!) doing it!
Personally, I’m a bit of a mixture - I love a good networking event, but am generally most comfortable in situations where we already have a common interest. Meeting people at a photography meetup or even a work-conference will give us an immediate topic to connect around and makes everything else coming after so much easier!
How about you? I’m curious, what works for you when building your network?