The value of networking beyond just job referrals
Building your professional network is a valuable part of your career journey. People often focus on networking to get leads on jobs, but the benefits are far more than just that. Yes, networking can lead to future job opportunities, but just as importantly, it will:
Expand your knowledge - Each time you ask for someone’s advice or inquire about something, it’s a chance to learn something new. Each conversation you have or post you read can be a channel to learn something different. Being open to new experiences and leaning forward to learning things is a lifelong benefit. This is an asset; growing your knowledge base and improving your skills will help you in your career. Expanding on possibilities that can support you throughout your career, these benefits can be strengthened and deepened through networking.
Improve current job performance - Your network can help you be more resourceful. Having a network to turn to for constructive feedback will improve your skills and make you better at your job. Your network may help with finding a candidate for an open position at your company or even recommend a vendor who saves your company money and delivers superior service.
Get you noticed - Networking is a two-way street, it is a give and take process. As much as networking is a learning process, it also gives you the opportunity to offer your advice and help to others. This establishes you as a valued professional in your field or industry. A good external reputation reflects well on your company as well.
Help you develop new skills - A strong professional network will likely provide invitations to help organize events, serve on panels, write articles, teach, volunteer, etc. These are all great opportunities to learn and strengthen important soft skills. Public speaking, leading presentations, or writing are great skills to sharpen, and the more you do them, the more proficient you will become.
Build confidence - It is not always easy to introduce ourselves and join the conversation, in person or online. You might be nervous about trying things like giving a speech or writing an article. You might even be hesitant to network and become shy about meeting new people, yet facing our fears is a sure way to learn how to overcome them, and may help you gain new skills along with confidence to try again.
Provide you with career advice and mentors – Hopefully, you find a good mentors at your current job. They are in a strong position to know you well and guide you in your career development. Equally important are external mentors. They provide you with a space to gather alternative perspectives and offer neutral advice, while also reminding you of your goals and holding you accountable to your complete growth as an individual.
Lead to sales opportunities - Your professional network should not be treated like a sales target list. That said, on the flip side, people like to buy from people they know and trust. While not the main purpose of networking, per se, additional sales opportunities are certainly a potential benefit.
New job opportunities - This is the advantage most people think of when they think of networking. A good network will help you progress in your career journey. Moreover, your network may reach out with unsolicited job opportunities or respond when you put out a call for help.
Done well and done consistently, networking can be impactful and positive, not just in your career but really in your life as well. It does involve a commitment of time and energy, but as the list above shows, the potential return of investment is significant and tangible.
Looking to thrive in community? Why not identify where you can further advance your networking journey and get started?
Building your professional network is a valuable part of your career journey. People often focus on networking to get leads on jobs, but the benefits are far more than just that. Yes, networking can lead to future job opportunities, but just as importantly, it will:
Expand your knowledge - Each time you ask for someone’s advice or inquire about something, it’s a chance to learn something new. Each conversation you have or post you read can be a channel to learn something different. Being open to new experiences and leaning forward to learning things is a lifelong benefit. This is an asset; growing your knowledge base and improving your skills will help you in your career. Expanding on possibilities that can support you throughout your career, these benefits can be strengthened and deepened through networking.
Improve current job performance - Your network can help you be more resourceful. Having a network to turn to for constructive feedback will improve your skills and make you better at your job. Your network may help with finding a candidate for an open position at your company or even recommend a vendor who saves your company money and delivers superior service.
Get you noticed - Networking is a two-way street, it is a give and take process. As much as networking is a learning process, it also gives you the opportunity to offer your advice and help to others. This establishes you as a valued professional in your field or industry. A good external reputation reflects well on your company as well.
Help you develop new skills - A strong professional network will likely provide invitations to help organize events, serve on panels, write articles, teach, volunteer, etc. These are all great opportunities to learn and strengthen important soft skills. Public speaking, leading presentations, or writing are great skills to sharpen, and the more you do them, the more proficient you will become.
Build confidence - It is not always easy to introduce ourselves and join the conversation, in person or online. You might be nervous about trying things like giving a speech or writing an article. You might even be hesitant to network and become shy about meeting new people, yet facing our fears is a sure way to learn how to overcome them, and may help you gain new skills along with confidence to try again.
Provide you with career advice and mentors – Hopefully, you find a good mentors at your current job. They are in a strong position to know you well and guide you in your career development. Equally important are external mentors. They provide you with a space to gather alternative perspectives and offer neutral advice, while also reminding you of your goals and holding you accountable to your complete growth as an individual.
Lead to sales opportunities - Your professional network should not be treated like a sales target list. That said, on the flip side, people like to buy from people they know and trust. While not the main purpose of networking, per se, additional sales opportunities are certainly a potential benefit.
New job opportunities - This is the advantage most people think of when they think of networking. A good network will help you progress in your career journey. Moreover, your network may reach out with unsolicited job opportunities or respond when you put out a call for help.
Done well and done consistently, networking can be impactful and positive, not just in your career but really in your life as well. It does involve a commitment of time and energy, but as the list above shows, the potential return of investment is significant and tangible.
Looking to thrive in community? Why not identify where you can further advance your networking journey and get started?
