Networking. It’s something that we keep hearing that is so important to our careers. Some people love networking, meeting new people, and sharing ideas. But for others, it’s stress-inducing with a lot of potential to become awkward.
No matter what your feelings are about networking, there’s no debating its merits. Here are a few ways that networking can positively impact your career.
Idea sharing
There’s a reason conferences have social events and happy hours—it’s a relaxed space to talk about ideas, innovative practices, or successes in your field. When you engage with like-minded colleagues, you may find inspiration, a new perspective, or even a new professional development connection. It also may be a great scenario for you to flesh out new ideas, or you could glean some industry knowledge from others and use their valuable input on your projects.
Increase your status
If you want to reach the next level in your professional career, it can often come down to whom you know more than what you know. Being bold and sharing your ideas can make you stand out from the crowd. It may come in the form of speaking up during a brainstorming meeting or simply commenting on a thought-provoking LinkedIn post and offering a poignant response. Even that could be a form of networking and enhancing your name recognition among your peers. When it comes time for a promotion or changing companies, those connections may be willing to put in a good word for you.
Gain a mentor or mentee
No matter where you are on the career ladder, you could always benefit from being a mentor to someone else and having a mentor of your own. These relationships are mutually beneficial—you can learn a lot in either of these roles. By engaging in networking, you may establish long-lasting professional relationships inside and outside your industry. By having a mentor, you can receive wisdom and guidance for your next career move from someone who has been in your shoes. Then, you have the ability to pass on that valuable information to your mentee, which is a great way to pay it forward to the next generation of leaders.
Build your self-confidence
Networking can provide a safe environment to share thoughts and innovative new ideas. Take advantage of this and pitch ideas, and be an engaged thought partner within your networks. Not only will you gain the valuable insights discussed above, but you will have the chance to practice your pitches and ideas in a group setting. For those who may find it difficult to speak up in a Zoom conference call, this may be a great environment to boost your confidence and muster the courage to boldly pitch your new idea.
While networking has looked different over the past year, the benefits remain the same. Networking opportunities will continue to be available in various forms, so be sure to find an outlet of networking that works for you, and start making those connections!