John Donne famously wrote ‘No man is an island entire of itself’; a philosophy which certainly rings true in the world of business and career progression. As human beings, we thrive through forging new connections, developing reciprocal relationships and building trust.
Business networking can provide an invaluable source of information sharing, support and inspiration. Most importantly, it can boost your career or even change its entire trajectory.
In an age where many jobs are filled by word-of-mouth and technological advancements happen in the blink of an eye, networking has the power to keep you in the loop, instead of one step behind. So what’s the difference between joining networks and networking? Why exactly are networks and networking so powerful? And how can you develop authentic connections?
Networks and networking: what’s the difference?
Networks are official industry bodies, focussed on reciprocal support, learning and information sharing. Networking, whether online or physical, means events or forums set up specifically to facilitate new business relationships.
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Networks provide an effective way to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable about industry developments. One of the most positive aspects of networks is that they work on a supportive, reciprocal basis; it’s not just about what you can get, but also what you can give to others. This mutual reciprocity creates authentic, long-term relationships built on trust – something which can prove invaluable for career progression.
If you take the next step and become an active chair or speaker in a business network, you automatically position yourself as a leader and advocate for your industry. This can help to raise your profile and qualify you as an expert within your field. Again, this can open a lot of doors and lead to exciting career opportunities.
Why is networking so powerful? And why do you need to do it?
In a word: trust. If you know and like someone, the chances are you trust them to some degree. So, if two job candidates are neck and neck, but one of them has an established connection with an individual at the company, that contact is likely to give them the edge. Of course, trust doesn’t happen overnight: it takes time to develop. That’s why networking is so important.
Networking illustrates the huge power of word-of-mouth and referrals. If a job role is tweeted or shared on LinkedIn or Facebook before it’s officially posted, individuals who are connected to those profiles will see it first. If you’re not one of those people – by the time you hear about it, it could be too late.
Conversely, if you happen to have a good relationship with an individual at a company, they could refer you before a position is even officially available. According to the 2013 Careerxroads Hiring Sources Survey, employee referrals are the number one source of corporate hiring. Of course, a referral is no guarantee of getting a role, but it can give you that crucial foot in the door.
Which networks should you join?
For many people, the idea of joining formal networks can seem daunting. Apart from the natural anxiety that can come with meeting new people, there’s the issue of choice. With so many possibilities out there, where do you even begin?
Ask yourself what you expect to achieve. Do you want to stay abreast of new industry developments? Are you paving the way for a specific job? Networking or joining networks for the sake of it can end up being a waste of time. While it’s nice to meet new people, there needs to be some kind of focus in order to develop authentic, valuable business connections.
An obvious place to begin is ‘within your industry’. By keeping your networking focussed and specific to your sector, you stand to make the most beneficial connections – especially in terms of career progression.
Although you can exchange knowledge, support and ideas with individuals in different industries, you’re unlikely to be able to help each other with direct job referrals, as the crossover simply might not be there. This isn’t to say these connections aren’t still important – rather that if you’re new to networking and your focus is a future job move, maintaining that focus helps keep the burden under control.
“Find out about networking events and networks in your local area.”
Find out about networking events and networks in your local area. Who attends them? How long have they been running? Is it highly thought of? The more research you do, the more likely you are to find the right event for your needs.
Online, it can be as simple as connecting with more people on LinkedIn and starting a conversation. If you’re approaching business leaders with a high profile, try asking a specific, interesting question rather than just saying ‘hi’ – think about how many people approach them each day. Make sure your profile is polished and up-to-date.
Key takehomes
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Networking is as important as your CV – perhaps even more so. LinkedIn’s global survey found that in 2016, 70% of people hired had a connection at the company, so don’t underestimate the power of who you know.
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Time is money, so don’t waste yours by not doing your research. If you’re an IT engineer, turning up to a creatives and design networking event is probably going to be a giant waste of your time. Do your homework and find the right event or group.
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Every person you connect with has the potential to lead to more connections. Once you’ve established a strong professional network, anything you ask or share is likely to be shared with their network, giving you the opportunity to establish more relationships. Do you want to work for Apple but don’t know where to start? Ask your network – if they don’t know the answer, someone in their network might.
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People remember past behaviours and reciprocate them – and help can come from the most unexpected places. When it comes to networking, if you help others, they’re unlikely to forget it – and they’re more likely to help you out in the future.
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The whole point of networks and networking is to support and help each other, so don’t be afraid to speak out or ask for help. If you’re looking for a new job, let people know – you never know what it could lead to.
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There’s no point in establishing a network of people if you’re not going to nurture those relationships. Don’t wait until you need help finding a job or need advice. Be outward-looking by staying in active contact with people and asking if there’s anything you can do to support or help them.
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Forget about fear of missing out: if you’re not networking you’re definitely missing out. LinkedIn’s 2016 report showed that nearly 80% of business professionals believe networking leads to a more successful career. If they’re all doing it, can you afford not to?
Networking has always played an important role in business, but in our global, digital age, it’s become one of the most powerful tools we have in terms of furthering our career prospects – and there’s nothing complicated or mystifying about it. Networking is simply about making meaningful connections with other people based on trust and reciprocity – something we’ve all spent our whole lives doing. If you’re not doing it, make sure you start now.
