Networking

The word 'networking' has come into our everyday life relatively recently and because of its English-speaking origin is often associated with something from the world of the Internet and social networks. In fact, there is nothing new in the idea of ​​networking: it implies the creation of a circle of acquaintances, in personal or professional space, and this was successfully done by our parents and grandfathers, and all generations before them. The introduction of a fashionable concept is more likely due to the fact that psychologists and business coaches decided to define and identify the rules of networking that help to earn more and move up the career ladder.

Well, since there is someone to formulate these rules, then we may well study them and try to apply them in life!

What is networking

Building a network of acquaintances in the right field, or networking, is one of the key tools for moving up the career ladder. Job changes, new projects, professional development opportunities, fresh ideas – all this most often finds us precisely through friends and acquaintances from the professional sphere that is interesting to us.

Today, in the era of the Internet and social networks, competent networking is becoming absolutely necessary, both for entrepreneurs and freelancers, as well as for managers and employees. A circle of professional acquaintances helps to declare your professionalism in a particular area, as well as gain more weight and reliability, thanks to work and personal recommendations.

Communication at business events is an important part of networking

If twenty years ago it was only possible to expand your network of contacts during personal meetings: professional conferences, thematic events, etc., today there are many assistants from the world of high technologies: social networks (primarily Facebook), forums, websites, online communities.

Do not forget that you can meet interesting and 'useful' people in places not directly related to your professional activity: from friendly parties to a golf club.

Types of networking

1. Word of mouth

Do not forget about the most ancient and proven method. If you are looking for a new job, contacts of the right people, valuable employees, etc., do not be lazy to tell your friends and acquaintances about this: it may well be that one of them will decide to help you and introduce you to the right people. By sharing your problem or offering your services, you connect dozens of more eyes and ears that may find useful information. Do not forget, if possible, to provide similar services for your part, as this method can never work for a long time with one goal.

2. Professional networking

Networking in a professional environment is based on the idea that you are the most suitable, prepared and motivated person to tell about yourself and your business, and no one can cope with this task better than you. To succeed in this business, you need to follow these rules:

• contact every person you have been advised or who may be helpful;
• leave each meeting with at least one more new contact;
• not trust the introduction of yourself to other people, seek direct communication.

This type of networking is widely used by those who sell something if their goal is not just to sell a specific product / service, but also to expand a portfolio of potential customers. For this method, personal communication with each person is important, either live or through communication.

It is difficult to predict who exactly from the professional circle of communication will be useful at one time or another, but increasing it increases the chances of success

3. Targeted networking

This type of networking is based on principles that are directly opposite to those described above. In this case, you first identify the person or people you want to meet, and then you look for someone who can introduce you and, if possible, recommend you. This method is useful when looking for a new job, especially if you are a good specialist in your segment and have a detailed idea of ​​which direction you intend to develop.

4. Online networking

The Internet provides unlimited opportunities for networking, because it is with its help that we get simultaneous access to many people in the area of ​​interest to us. In particular, you should pay attention to the following tools:

• social networks,
• job search sites,
• thematic groups and forums,
• pages of individual companies,
• pages of heads of companies or departments.

Networking on the Internet means both communication with other people (through private messages, comments, discussions), and support of your page on social networks and, if necessary, the site. The manner of maintaining your page in Facebook or other popular resources should match the image you want to create. If we are talking about professional contacts, then it is better to refrain from an abundance of personal photos from parties (or post them privately for friends) and pay attention to what characterizes you as a professional: for example, comment on industry news, publish materials related to your field, and also showcase examples of your own work.

Why networking is needed

So, we figured out what the concept of 'networking' includes, but the question remains: how will this help you make money and climb the career ladder?

Contrary to popular belief, a wide network of professional acquaintances is needed not only for direct 'selling' yourself or your services – competent networking opens up a lot of opportunities.

First of all, this is what helps to get out of the cozy comfort zone and focus on development. Networking implies constant communication with people, with mutual assistance (in order to count on the assistance of others, it is imperative to provide similar assistance yourself), the exchange of fresh ideas, the search for opportunities for cooperation and joint projects. A wide network of acquaintances in their professional field can not only be useful when looking for a new job, but also give the very idea of ​​changing jobs, developing a career, possibly moving to a related segment.

Chatting with interesting people is the best source of career inspiration.

Networking is the best way to find like-minded people. This is especially important for those who are aiming at major career changes: for example, starting their own business, switching to freelancing, etc. Nothing will help prepare for the upcoming difficulties better than personal communication with those who have already implemented something similar, and can competently help and support with advice.

Finally, communication in one's professional environment helps to better define one's self-identification, identify one's strengths and weaknesses, and identify one's own career and personal path of development. Try to tell a barely familiar person about what you are doing: concise, understandable and interesting. After you repeat this exercise dozens of times, it is possible that you yourself will understand more clearly what you are at the moment and what you should strive for.

Rules for successful networking

Psychologists and business coaches outline a number of rules for successful networking. Let's consider the main ones.

1. Be welcoming and friendly

It would seem that the basis of the basics, but it will never be superfluous to repeat it: when meeting new people at a business event, party, and even on the phone, be sure to smile, behave calmly and amicably. Asking questions, listening carefully to your interlocutor, showing genuine interest in what they are saying will help you make a good impression.

We also include the appearance here: elegant and appropriate to the setting

2. Make a plan

Meeting new people and communicating is a business that not everyone likes. To feel less embarrassed and worried, treat it like work and make a plan: for example, talk to 10 people during the event. After that, you can give yourself a rest.

3. Always have business cards with you.

Business cards are the currency of networking. Be sure to carry enough of them with you and exchange them with other people. The degree of creativity of business cards should not go beyond reason: you can bring something non-standard to them to stand out, but stay within the framework of the style of business communication (for example, playful inscriptions and emoticons are best left for friends).

4. Use homemade products

Not all of us are capable of witty jokes and lively chatting in any situation. But there is a simple secret: think about what you will say in advance! And it's not only about a short presentation of a new project – write down successful phrases, jokes, topics for conversation, as well as information about the interlocutors, if you already know them. It is enough to run your eyes over the prepared piece of paper before the meeting, and you will definitely not be confused!

Believe me, a considerable proportion of those whose manner of supporting a conversation you admire use homemade preparations

5. Remind about yourself

If in the case of romantic dates it is recommended to wait 3 days, then for business networking another rule follows: remind yourself within 24 hours (maximum 48). The most convenient way for this will be e-mail: send a new friend a short e-mail with your contacts and, if possible, information about what you talked about (for example, if you promised him to send him a link to some material). This will earn you extra points and give you the opportunity to distinguish you from other casual acquaintances.

6. Try to communicate in person

It is quite difficult to attract the attention of the interlocutor to your project or question by e-mail – as a rule, a personal meeting gives a much greater effect. If the start of the conversation was received positively, offer a short meeting in the office or cafe. Be sure to indicate the purpose of the intended conversation, because time is money, especially for business people.

Often in person, you can solve an issue in half an hour that would take weeks of email correspondence

7. Don't forget about social media

Social media pages are the most useful source of information. You can find out more about the people you intend to meet: their place of work, hobbies, etc. And after you meet, social media will help you stay connected.

8. Be patient

Networking is a long ongoing process, and it is unlikely that it will bring results the next day. Have patience, communicate, provide services. All this will definitely pay off in the long term.

Conclusion

Not all of us like to communicate, but it's hard to argue that creating a network of acquaintances in the professional field helps to earn and build a career. Fortunately, the modern world provides a lot of opportunities for competent networking, and everyone can choose what is closer to him. Meet successful people in your field, study their experience and do not hesitate to talk about yourself! Then positive changes in your career will not be long in coming.