Networking is a key to success in any industry, and it can’t be overstated how important networking for professional purposes really is. The benefits of building a large network far outweigh the awkwardness of reaching out to strangers.
Building a network is not only good for your professional development but also has an overall positive impact on society. As we have seen with job market volatility over the past 18 months and as you search or develop skills within any industry, it’s important that one be connected in order to stay up to date on technology and career developments within your industry.
Whether looking at your own career advancement goals or supporting someone else who wants more from their life than just working all day at someplace where they aren’t happy anymore.
Networks provide opportunities for people to make introductions (and sometimes referrals) which can result in finding new opportunities, especially those in the hidden job market.
Tips for building your network
Focus on your industry – By networking with those in your industry, you start to identify the thought leaders who have expansive networks and may provide career recommendations. They also post job opportunities on a regular basis so that they can share what it takes for success within their respective fields as well as tap into new markets by being introduced via referrals or introductions made through these individuals–which is how some jobs get posted at all!
Network in-person – Networking with people in person is finally coming back with COVID19 gathering restrictions in place for the last 18 months. It’s the best way to build your professional network and develop strong friendships. Take advantage of these mixers, after-work cocktail hours or fundraising events as an opportunity to network with individuals that you might not otherwise get an opportunity to meet. Local chambers of commerce, Meetup and Eventbrite groups are the perfect source to find upcoming local business networking events.
Network online – The best way to build your network is through LinkedIn, but don’t forget other platforms and other communities. LinkedIn is a great place to establish your personal brand and depending on your industry, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube can easily serve as a gateway to building industry connections. Other online communities include Slack, Discord, Notion, Polywork, Reddit, Tribe, GitHub and a hundred others serving niche online global communities.
Diversify – Seek out people with differing opinions and backgrounds. Not everyone takes the same path through their career, and that’s what makes it so interesting! Working alongside someone who is going about things in a different way can help you tailor your own approach for success too- after all no two careers are alike right?
Volunteer – Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and collaborate with like-minded professionals. It’s not too hard to find a local chapter of global professional organization such as Project Management Institute (PMI) and International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). Local non-profit and professional associations may also provide opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals who also volunteer for many of the same reasons.
Aim to give, not take – Networking is no longer just about meeting people and handing out business cards. You should be focused on providing value to those you meet, so that they are more likely return the favor in future interactions. This doesn’t mean that all of what goes into networking efforts has changed – after all these days it takes some knowhow for even a seasoned professional like yourself to draw conclusions from casual conversation! But now there’s an added layer: returning good vibes back onto networks through identifying ways others might need help
Get started networking today
I’ve been networking for over 25 years and love it and the best advice I can give you is to have fun. Networking should be about meeting new people, getting to know them better, finding common interests or goals that are important to you, and then building relationships that help lead to professional success. You don’t need special tricks – just show up with an open mind and a smile.
Happy Networking!
Connect with Ron on LinkedIn. Ron Cantiveros is an Information Technology Recruiter and Senior Technology Consultant with David Aplin Group based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. David Aplin Group is a private family and employee-owned Canadian staffing agency founded in Alberta in 1975, recognized as one of Canada’s most accomplished recruiting firms. Our mission is to create value at every opportunity. Visit Aplin.com.
