Making good contacts is important for professional development, but do you know exactly what it is and how to have good networking ? Few professions allow someone to work independently, without having contact or relationships with other people, even if they are customers or suppliers.
What is it and how to have good networking?
Having a professional network helps you expand your business, stay up to date with news and trends, and discover new opportunities in your area of expertise. Continue reading to find out more.
What is networking?
The word in English combines “net”, which means network, and “working”, related to work. In other words, the concept involves creating a relationship of contacts with other professionals who, in some way, are relevant or linked to the environment in which they operate.
These connections can be made by people from the same company, through LinkedIn , through industry events or even by directly approaching people with whom you want to exchange knowledge.
The idea is that, by expanding connections in the field, professionals can expand their understanding of the area. See some benefits of networking:
Professional opportunities
One of the main advantages of making connections is being remembered when there are new job opportunities, being recommended for a competitive vacancy, for example. With the support of another person in the field, you can arrive at a job interview with good recommendations.
Furthermore, you have a better chance of being remembered when a vacancy opens and allows you to expand your performance possibilities. Meeting people with different professions within the area can open a new professional path and lead to a better position.
Increases knowledge
In addition to direct recommendations on possible professional opportunities, having good contacts in the area helps you to always be aware of trends and good practices applied by these people. It is a way to acquire new knowledge and be up to date with innovations, studies and concepts that can help transform the sector and put professionals at the forefront of the company.
Provides visibility
The more contacts you have access to, the more likely you are to be noticed and remembered. Although networking isn’t just about numbers, expanding your network offers more visibility and allows more people to become familiar with your work.
How to have a good network?
Networking is not the same as collecting connections on LinkedIn. In fact, “working” is precisely a way of describing the constant work of communicating with these people, so the quality of communication is more important than the quantity of contacts.
People who are less communicative or sociable may have more difficulty introducing themselves to other professionals, but developing this skill, in addition to being able to tell your own story, is the first step towards creating a real connection.
On the other hand, this also doesn’t mean being inconvenient or insistent, introducing yourself just to talk about yourself and ask for a job. Networking is related to professional reputation, after all, no one will recommend someone they don’t like or doesn’t do a good job.
Therefore, technical knowledge and the ability to communicate are important to start a network of contacts. See other strategies for networking:
Attend industry events
Lectures, fairs and workshops with industry professionals are a good place to start meeting people. In general, everyone there is professionally connected, which makes it easier to find affinities and common professional goals.
The same goes for events promoted by the company itself, such as dinners, lunches or happy hours. People often view these social situations as an unpleasant obligation, but they can serve as an opportunity to introduce yourself to leaders and exchange ideas with people from other sectors.
Be remembered
To be remembered by other professionals, you need to show up. This doesn’t mean being inconvenient or constantly drawing attention to yourself, but rather maintaining regular communication, sending emails or messages on LinkedIn.
Furthermore, even if there is no direct communication, publishing publications about completed projects and results achieved generates visibility for the professional profile.
Listen carefully
This network of contacts cannot be seen by professionals as a way to just get a better job. They are people, with similar interests, who may be interested in what you do and vice versa.
Maintaining these contacts also means listening carefully, being curious about each person’s professional reality, and remembering important aspects about their careers. Networking is still a friendship, but the focus is on professional, not personal, affinities, so show interest in what others have to say.
Conclusion
Effective networking is a vital aspect of professional development that extends beyond merely accumulating contacts. It involves cultivating meaningful relationships with individuals who are relevant to your professional sphere, thereby enhancing your visibility, knowledge, and career opportunities. By attending industry events, maintaining regular and genuine communication, and showing a sincere interest in others’ professional journeys, you can build a robust network. This network not only keeps you informed about the latest trends and best practices but also positions you favorably for new job opportunities.
Importantly, networking should be approached with the aim of mutual benefit, emphasizing quality interactions over quantity. That would mean that good networking skills of effective communication and active listening can increase professional reputation, thus opening new avenues for career growth. Therefore, building and nurturing professional networks is an essential investment of time and effort to achieve long-term success and growth in a particular field.
