Professional Networking – Importance, Types and Tips

Definition

Professional networking is defined as an activity that helps an individual to build and maintain relationships with other people to fulfil his goals and professional ambitions.

What is Professional Networking?

Professional networking is referred to as establishing connections that are mutually beneficial for the involved parties. It is a tool focused on interactions and maintaining relationships of professional nature by attending business meetings, events, conferences, etc.

Importance of professional networking

The importance of professional networking is vast because of the following reasons –

• Job seekers consider professional networking a blessing as a personal recommendation is considered invaluable from a trusted source
• It is essential to set up professional networking in place from the very beginning as it will pay dividends throughout your life
• One never knows when a person might need help in climbing the career ladder hence it is essential to maintain it
• The importance of professional networking is that being part of a network provides access to tacit knowledge as well as confidential information that is not easily available through other channels
• Professional networking is essential as you might find a mentor who will prove a tremendous blessing in guiding you through your career path and recommending you to influential people
• The importance of professional networking is that it gives an insider’s view on essential things. It also offers vital information related to the industry you belong and the challenges you might face shortly

Types of professional networks

The three types of proessional networks are as follows-

1. Operational 

The operational type of professional network refers to an internal network and a strong working relationship with colleagues in your organization.

To build an operational network, an employee has to reach out to lateral colleagues in the other departments of its organization and create a robust and dependable network. The contacts in the operational network help in achieving short-term goals by completing work or a task basis.

2. Personal 

The personal type of professional network refers to relationships outside your organization with like-minded people belonging to a diverse group. Its purpose is to improve an employee’s professional as well as personal development and offering referrals to useful contacts.

This type of professional networking encourages involvement in charitable organizations, professional associations and other activities that will broaden your network outside your organization.

3. Strategic

The strategic type of professional network refers to a combination of the above two types of networking where intra-organizational and personal needs can be met adequately because networking is both internal and external.

It builds connections and keeps an individual professionally relevant. Its purpose is to figure out priorities and secure support for it. Strategic networking is essential for sharing ideas related to best practices, keeping an eye on development in business, learning new approaches, gaining leverages and helping to see the bigger picture.

Professional networking events

The various types of professional networking events are as follows-

1. Breakfast networking 

The best way to start your day is to meet influential people for breakfast and share valuable information. Breakfast meetings keep you ahead and provide a great chance to forward your pitch.

This type of professional networking is beneficial as you can interact with a potential employer or client before he has the chance to relate with other influencers.

2. After-hours networking

One of the most popular as well as structured professional networking group is the after-hours networking. In this type of networking people generally exchange their most crucial networking tool, the business cards in an informal setting.

The groups are often sponsored by more substantial organizations like a civic or social club, local chamber of commerce or a convention bureau. The idea behind creating this type of professional networking group is to provide an opportunity where people can met and communicate with total strangers in a relaxed atmosphere.

3. Industry-specific events

Attend industry-specific events as they are directly related to your job profile. Important speakers grace these occasions and share their experiences.

You will get a chance to meet with people who are directly related to your industry and pick their brains on essential matters. It is a golden chance to create, build and increase professional networking

4. Roundtable events 

This type of professional networking is most useful for people who are interested in communication and interaction with their peers. Roundtable events include open forums and discussions that will result in creative ideas, golden opportunities and new directions.

5. Happy-hour meet-ups

In professional networking, happy-hour meet-ups are events that provide a relaxed atmosphere for making small talks and approaching strangers in a casual setting.

6. Online networks 

One of the most important types of professional networking is online networking. There are lots of forums and groups that allow the legitimate building of professional as well as a personal relationship, effective communication and numerous problem-solving methods.

Professional networking tips

The following tips will prove beneficial in building robust professional networking-

1. Set goals 

The first tip related to professional networking is to set goals. Think carefully and determine the purpose of attending an event, seminar, conference etc. and create a viable strategy based on that observation. The plan you develop must have clear goals so that you can follow it properly

2. Reach out 

Build a relationship by reaching out to the right people as it will help in creating a network that will prove beneficial in your career. It includes friends, family members, colleagues, managers, peers, etc., anyone you think can help in advancing your profession.

3. Keep in touch 

You might know a lot of people but when was the last time you had contact with them. Invest in relationships by keeping in touch and making contact at regular intervals.

This will make your relationship stronger, and you can ask anyone for a personal recommendation anytime without hesitation

4. Dress appropriately

Make sure you know the dress code for the event you are attending. In case of doubt, pick an outfit that is washed and ironed and has a professional look. It is not right to look disorganized or casual at such events as it will result in the wrong impression

5. Carry business cards

Today’s young generation might consider carrying business cards old fashioned, but they are still the thing-to-do in professional circles. Keep the cards in a card case and take it out from it in front of others.

This will create a good impression and result in fruitful professional networking.

6. Show up early at events –

An important tip that is very useful in professional networking is showing up a bit early at events. The crowds are lighter at this time and will provide you with numerous opportunities for conversation and productive interactions.

7. Be punctual

If you are unable to be early, then at least be punctual and arrive on time. This quality will be appreciated by one and all as it shows that you value time. It speaks highly about your character and demonstrates your true nature.

t is a fact that being on time will build trust and boost your chances of increasing valuable professional contacts

8. Create an online network 

There are numerous professional networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Academia, Instagram and Slideshare that work beautifully through the internet. These tools help in keeping touch and making powerful connections hence maintain a high-level activity to maintain relationships

9. Attend networking events

Face-to-face talks are the best way to boost your chances of success through professional networking. Be present at events and business functions where you can meet lots of talented people.

It includes trade fairs, conferences, educational events and social events. Be active and engage in small talks initially to enter into important circles.

Remember it is your positive communication, sunny smile and charming disposition that will hold in good stead hence be charismatic while maintaining influential people. Personal interaction and engagement will help to create and maintain a viable network that will be a help in times of need

10. Keep the conversation a bit informal 

Professional networking is related to your profession, no doubt. Still, it is necessary to create a personal relationship with people who will prove useful later on. Keep the conversation light, friendly and informal and do not make sales pitch initially.

11. Listen

It is a proven fact that listening is more important than talking. It is easy to join in any conversation just by listening to the ongoing conversation. It shows that you are paying attention and such people leave a good mark on others

12. Share

It is important to let others know that you are also influential and can provide value. Share information and contacts as it will increase your professional network.

Sharing will beget trust and form healthy relationships.

13. Pay attention to your body language 

Keep your posture open with shoulders back, spine straight, head up and arms and legs uncrossed. This will make you look amiable, and people will approach you without hesitation.

Do not forget to maintain a gentle smile as it looks welcoming. Make eye contact while speaking, as it will show your confident nature.

14. Do favors

Professionals networking is a two-way street. You cannot expect favours until and unless you dole out a few. If you get the chance of helping someone grab it and help him out.

These things are not forgotten and in time of need will be returned with interest

15. Stay relevant 

Stay up-to-date with new developments that are happening in and around your surroundings. Learn new things and share the knowledge with your network. Staying relevant will keep you in the loop and boost your professional networking capabilities

16. Take notes 

An individual will talk to several people in an event, and only a few are essential for him. Keep a tiny notebook with you and write down important information in them so that you can refer to it later on.

17. Follow-up connections 

Once you have created a contact, it becomes crucial to maintain that connection. Get in touch with them within a short interval. This will show that you are interested in carrying forward the link, learn more about them and want to work with them in some capacity

Advantages

The advantages of professional networking are as follows-

• Professional networking helps in hearing about job opportunities and raising your profile. As you are visible in the right circles, you build a reputation for being knowledgeable
• Professional networking helps in job search and making significant moves related to your professional career
• Professional networking is one of the most significant sources of knowledge about new perspectives and fresh ideas that can be a tremendous help in your day-to-day job
• Professional networking helps in clearing the first few stages of the interview process easily because of the personal recommendation of a trusted source and make you the frontrunner for the position
• Professional networking is the best source to learn about best practices and new trends
• Professional networking helps to boost your interpersonal skills
• Professional networking builds self-confidence. Attending events might look intimidating at first, but with time it becomes easier and helps to build a confident poise

Disadvantages

The disadvantages are as follows-

• All your professional networking efforts will not prove fruitful. In some cases, a person takes part in several events and still is unable to develop a useful contact. It is then considered a wasted effort in such circumstances
• During professional networking, there is a higher risk of luring away a reasonable employee from the organization
• Professional networking might look overwhelming and intimidating to employees who are shy and introvert by nature

Conclusion

Professional networking is a vital key that can open new doors of opportunities if done right. Reciprocate and help others, and you will suddenly find yourself amongst one of the best networking groups.

In today’s fast-paced world, professional networking is a blessing in disguise that helps in climbing the career ladder easily and quickly.