Networking is a valuable way to extend your connections, acquire new knowledge and attain new business. It’s essential to your career growth and is about building strong relationships that are long lasting. Networking can range from friends, family, colleagues and any other groups you may be part of. Here are the top 5 benefits of networking:
Creating Connections
Networking provides you with a useful source of connections and can help open certain doors that wouldn’t normally be available to you. For every individual you connect with, they will have their own network that you can tap into as well. As the old saying goes, it’s not what you know; it’s who you know!
Raising Your Profile
Networking is a great way to get noticed, which plays an important part in building your career. Attending social, professional and business events will help get your name and face known, as well as recognising others.
More Opportunities
Widening your professional database can create new possibilities for your business progression and personal development. Networking keeps you ‘in the loop’ with the most recent opportunities and keeps you up to date with relevant people to get in touch with.
Up to Date Information
Networking is advantageous when staying up to date with business and industry developments and other relevant information that your peers and colleagues may have to offer. Keeping an extensive network of connected and informed contacts is very valuable.
New Ideas
Another key benefit of creating a strong network is it can be a great source of new ideas and different outlooks, which can result in some amazing projects. Being exposed to new information and opinions allows you new insights that you may not have had before. It’s also helpful to offer your thoughts and ideas to others, which is a good way to build your profile and establish relationships.