What is the use of networking ?

Posted by Fed Finance in Our employment advice
Posted at 13/09/2023
What is the use of networking ?

Networking is an essential practice in the business world and a strong help to boost professional careers. But what does networking really mean? And what are the benefits involved in this activity?

Networking can be defined as building relationships with other people to create a network of professional contacts. This network is a powerful tool that can boost careers and open doors to various professional opportunities.

HOW NETWORKING CAN BOOST A CAREER

Networking plays a significant role in growing a professional career. This is because through connecting with other professionals it is possible to exchange knowledge, experiences and information that can lead to new job opportunities, business partnerships and even obtaining valuable mentorships.

By building a solid network of contacts, the chances of finding people who can help you in your professional development increase significantly. How? Connecting with people from different sectors will increase your visibility on the labour market and consequently open doors to new opportunities.

The Power of Networking in Job Search

When it comes to job searching networking can be a crucial factor in success. Often, job vacancies are not publicly advertised and are filled through recommendations or referrals from people within an employer's network.

It is therefore easy to understand that if you are connected to influential professionals and people who know about available opportunities, your job search will become more efficient. In addition, networking also allows you to learn more about specific companies and sectors, helping you to prepare for interviews and personalize your CV.

Create effective networking strategies.

There are several effective strategies that can boost a professional's networking. Follow our tips to build a solid network of contacts:

  • Attend industry events: Congresses, trade shows and workshops are great opportunities to meet people with similar interests and goals as you. Don't overlook these golden networking opportunities!
  • Participate in online groups: There are online discussion groups on various platforms, such as LinkedIn or Twitter. These groups allow you to interact and share knowledge with professionals in the same field.
  • Keep in regular contact: It is important to keep in touch with the people in your network, whether through emails, messages, or face-to-face meetings. Showing interest and offering help whenever possible strengthens professional bonds.
  • Participate in projects: Collaborating on projects with other professionals is a great way to expand your network and showcase your skills.
  • Use social media: Professional social networks such as LinkedIn or even Twitter offer ample opportunities to connect with other professionals, as well as sharing relevant content and updates about your career. Take advantage of them to boost your career.

Networking mistakes to avoid.

Just as there are effective strategies and good networking practices, there are also common mistakes to avoid. Be careful not to let good opportunities play against you. Avoid making these mistakes:

  • Approaching people only when you need something, without creating a genuine relationship.
  • Not nurturing relationships after the first contact, letting them weaken over time.
  • Talking only about yourself without genuine interest in the other person's needs and goals.
  • Being insecure or not showing confidence during professional interactions.

NETWORKING IS HERE TO STAY 

With technological advances, networking is becoming increasingly digital. Social media platforms and networking apps are increasingly at hand for those interested in creating professional connections, along with the use of artificial intelligence, which has also been explored to improve the quality of connections and recommendations. The pandemic has also accelerated the trend of online networking by making virtual events and meetings increasingly common.

As we can see, networking is a powerful tool for professional growth that is here to stay. However, it is essential to establish effective strategies to put it into practice and thus boost your career by opening doors to unexpected new opportunities.

Stay tuned to Fed Finance Job Tips where we try to explore new trends and take advantage of these tips to expand your network of contacts, standing out as a professional.