How Networking Can Help You Advance Your Career

As the famous saying goes "your network is your net worth. The importance of networking can not be overemphasized. Networking is a means of connecting with like-minded people from diverse backgrounds without any geographical restrictions. The advantages of networking can not be numbered but we will examine some ways in which networking can help you advance in your career. However, before then, let us take a look at what networking is and how it is done. 

What is Networking? 

Networking is the process of meeting new people to share ideas, knowledge, expertise, or experience. The purpose of networking is to meet new people from the same/similar career or business industry that share the same/similar ideas, expertise, or knowledge. It is a means of growing your connection beyond people you have always known. With the aid of technology, networking has grown beyond physically meeting people. You can now connect and meet people through online workshops, seminars, conferences, communities as well as social media platforms. Be rest assured, networking is not as tedious as it sounds and we understand that some people find it difficult to meet new people especially when it is physical. You can start with simple online networking like LinkedIn connections and gradually move to personally connecting with your LinkedIn connections. 
The importance of networking can not be overstated, many professionals have pointed out the fact that networking has helped them get a new career or transition into a new or higher position.  Networking might just be the key to your career advancement. 

Read Also: How To Prepare For A Networking Event - Pro Tips

How Do You Network?

We have discussed networking and how important is it. The question is how do you network? Below are some tips on how to network 

• Be intentional: The first step to taking any decision is having the right mindset to do so. Networking requires you to be intentional if you aim to do it right. Research the industry of your career or your proposed career industry. Find communities with like-minded professionals, and search for workshops, seminars, and conferences that can/will be beneficial to your career growth. 
• Start Small: We understand that jumping right in the middle of it all can get overwhelming and you might feel lost so, do not worry! You can start small. Start by mostly doing online networking like LinkedIn connection and joining a community at a time. Then you can gradually move to attend an online workshop or seminar once a month. When you start small, it makes it easier to ease into the process 
• Focus on your interest: The networking pool is a very wide one that can get very confusing. Stick to your area of interest, passion, and goal. Network with people in your career industry, people who share the same interest as you. People who can serve as mentors and so on. Networking within your interest is a great way to take things easier. 
• Invite a Friend or Colleague: Networking is easier when you do it with people you trust, love, and share the same goals as you. You can introduce your friends to communities and networking opportunities. It also allows you to have someone to share ideas and discussions with. 

How Does Networking Influence Your Career Advancement 

As much as networking is to grow yourself, it also has a very great influence on your career advancement. Let us take a look at some of how networking influences your career advancement below: 

• Professional Growth: Networking is a great tool for professional growth and development. It connects you to like-minded professionals from a diverse background that shares similar or related career path as yours. These professionals can share ideas, expertise, and knowledge with you thereby understanding your knowledge gap and ways you can develop yourself. Constantly rubbing your mind with other people gives you space for growth and opens your eyes to a new perspective 
• Stay Relevant: In a world that keeps evolving with new practices and trends, it is important to stay connected with people to get access to these trends and practices' knowledge. It allows you to stay up to date with best practices and industry trends which keeps you relevant and valuable within your career industry and area of expertise. 
• Job/Career Opportunities: One of the major importance of networking is the opportunity to connect you to people that can help you secure employment or progress on your career journey. According to Betterup, 31% of job seekers find listings through professional connections, especially referrals. Networking might just be the push your job-seeking phase needs. 
• Self-Assurance and Confidence: Being equipped with the knowledge and expertise to work gives you confidence you do not know you have. It assures you of knowing exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Networking seminars, conferences, and workshops are not just for chit-chat, they contribute to building your confidence and self assurance 
• Skill Development: Networking with professionals allows you to know where in your knowledge or expertise you are lacking and the skills you need to develop to get to the career position your want. All the networking workshops, seminars, conferences, and communities are opportunities to develop your skills and expertise. 

Above all, networking is a continuous and gradual process, avoid rushing the process and just take things easy. Being open-minded and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone is important but do not overwhelm yourself while at it. GOOD LUCK!

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