What Is Networking?

What Is Networking?

Let me explain networking directly: it's the exchange of information and ideas among people who share a common profession or special interest, usually in an informal social setting. As a professional, you use networking to expand your circles of acquaintances, find out about job opportunities in your field, and increase your awareness of news and developments there.

Networking is one of the main benefits when you join a professional organization or attend a trade fair or convention. But it most often happens spontaneously when two or more like-minded professionals cross paths.

How Networking Works

You generally join networking groups based on a single common point of interest that all members share. The most obvious is a professional affiliation, such as stockbrokers or social workers. Many find effective networking opportunities in a college alumni group, a church or synagogue social group, or a private club.

For professionals like you, the best networking opportunities may occur at trade shows, seminars, and conferences, which attract a large crowd of like-minded individuals. Networking helps you keep up with current events in the field and develop relationships that may boost future business or employment prospects.

Needless to say, it also provides opportunities to help other people find jobs, make connections, and catch up on the news.

If you're a business owner, you network to develop relationships with people and companies you may do business with in the future. These connections help you establish rapport and trust among people in your communities.

Successful business networking involves regularly following up with contacts to exchange valuable information that may not be readily available outside the network.

Important Note

Business owners and entrepreneurs often join their local Chamber of Commerce to promote their business interests and help others in their communities do the same.

Online Networking

Professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn provide an online location for you to engage with other professionals, join groups, post blogs, and share information. And, of course, they provide a place to post a resume, search for jobs, or identify job candidates.

These days, a business-to-business (B2B) customer pipeline can be developed almost entirely through the use of a social networking site. Online networking forums allow professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and connect with like-minded people.

LinkedIn is the largest professional network, but there are many others. Some cater to particular subsets of people, such as Black Business Women Online. Others, such as Meetup, try to combine online networking, real-world networking, and video conferences.

Fast Fact

The term computer networking refers to linking multiple devices to share information and software resources in an immediate way.

Special Considerations

Given the growing number of networking opportunities available to people looking to start or advance their careers, you should take some time to explore your options before committing to a specific networking group.

While it's tempting for a new business owner or someone looking for a dream job to join as many networks as possible, a better strategy is to target your time and efforts toward those groups that best fit your needs and interests. Many networking organizations will host special meet and greet events for prospective members.

Once you join a networking group, it's important to become a contributing member. Rather than just using the association to further your own goals, you should look to offer something of value to other group members.

Networking can help you identify opportunities for collaboration, strategic joint ventures, partnerships, and new areas to expand your business.

How Can I Network Efficiently?

Take the time to explore your options before committing to a specific networking group. Target your time and effort to the group that best fits your needs and interests.

Remember, networking is a process of give and take. Don't just jump in when you're looking for a job. Be generous about sharing tips, recommendations, and insights that benefit others in the group.

Why Is Networking Useful?

Networking helps you keep up with current events in the field. It develops relationships that may lead to business or employment prospects. At its best, it achieves this in a relaxed social environment.

What Is Online Networking?

Sites such as LinkedIn provide a platform for you to engage with other professionals, join groups, post blogs, and share information. And, of course, they provide a place to post a resume that will be seen by prospective employers. Online networking forums allow professionals to share their knowledge and connect with like-minded people.

The Bottom Line

You don't have to be an extrovert to create a social network. You just need an interest in sharing information and ideas among people in your profession. Over time, you'll find that it expands the circle of people that you can rely on to help you professionally, and that you can help in turn.