At the current time, everybody has a vast network. Do you agree or not? But which contacts from your network are in touch with you? Not even half right! However, having a strong professional network is crucial to every college student or working professional in the current era. Don’t know what professional networking is? Don’t worry., We will cover all your doubts and share how a professional network can help you throughout your career journey. So, let’s begin.
Table of Contents
What is Professional Networking?
Professional networking means building and maintaining relationships that benefit both parties via mutual help, whether it’s giving advice, referrals, or something else. This network will include a wide variety of professionals from the industry who will help you achieve your professional goal, or you can help them achieve it.
Importance Of Professional Networking
Below are the three benefits of professional networking that will help you understand its importance.
Learning About Job Opportunities
After you connect with industry professionals, they can notify you about new job opportunities. Also, referred candidates are more likely to be hired for a post than direct applicants.
Career Research
If you are unsure about which field you should pursue your career, the contacts on your professional network can help you greatly. They can advise you about different career opportunities and help you learn about different jobs available in the market. As a result, you can land up with your dream job.
Finding Clients
Sometimes, you might be working in a position that requires finding new clients and building strong relationships with them. Generally, this happens in the sales line. The contacts in your network can refer potential clients and help you in your job.
Where To Build Professional Networks?
After learning the benefits of professional networking, you might be thinking of where to build professional networks. Friends, stay tuned with us to find out that.
Professional Networking Events
Professional networking events like happy hour meetups, trade shows, career fairs, conferences, and workshops can help you build a strong network. Depending on the event, you can find different industry experts where you can try to connect with them.
College Alumni Clubs
After professional networking events, college alumni clubs or associations can help college students build a strong network. There’s no guarantee that you will meet industry experts, but the contacts you make will be of your age and have already experienced what you will or are facing. They can share valuable experiences with you, plus the similarity in age would make it easy to bond with them.
Current Job
If you are a working professional, your office is the key place to start professional networking. Your peers and seniors will help you find jobs and share their knowledge. Genuine contacts will remain in touch even after leaving the job and help you in need.
Professional Social Media Platforms
Professional social media sites can play a major role in building a network. Sites like LinkedIn are dedicated to this purpose and can help you connect with individuals of your interest. So, you will have like-minded people around who can help you learn and grow in the industry.
Who should be in your Professional Networks?
After learning where to start professional networking, you need to learn who to add to this network.
College Professors
If you are close to any professors, add them to your network. If they teach in your career field, they can help you with their experience. If not, they can still advise you on some topics.
Previous Classmates
Adding your previous classmates to your network can be a great decision. They can help you find jobs and share knowledge about their field of work.
Friends
Remember to include your neighbourhood friends in your network. Let them know about your goals so that if an opportunity arises, you don’t miss it.
Co-Workers
Your current and former co-workers will know about your weak points and can help you improve yourself and decide on achievable goals, so you must add them to your network.
Members of Professional Clubs
If you are a member of some professional clubs, add them to your network. These are new people outside friends or office circles who can offer fresh perspectives and resources.
Family
People might not consider keeping family in professional networks, but keeping them updated about your goals is good. Your relatives might also know someone related to your field who can help you in your career.
Tips For Professional Networking
Below are some simple tips that can help you in professional networking.
Reach Out To The Right Professionals
Connect only with people related to your field of interest. These networks will have relevant and accurate information about your field and can provide proper advice.
Stay in Touch
If you make connections, it’s important to stay in contact with them. Not communicating with them occasionally will create the risk of losing them and your networks may fall apart.
Help your Contacts
Always be there when any of your contacts need your help, as they do for you. It shows that you value them and strengthens your network.
Appreciate your Contacts
When one of your contacts helps you, thank them warmly and show your appreciation. This will let them know you truly admire their aid and help you to build a strong network.
The Art of Professional Networking: Unlocking Opportunities
Hopefully, you have learned what professional networking is. If you did, start making your network and take the first step towards a wonderful career. Also, don’t rush; work slowly, and over time, you will have a valuable network reach that will help you out whenever you need it. Follow Tradeflock on social media to stay updated about more informational content.
