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Shantanu has been working as a recruiter for 12 years. He decides he wants to transition into training and helping organizations create training material for recruits.
He reaches out to his professional network for leads. He connects with an acquaintance who works in the education sector and is happy to share tips. This is how Shantanu’s professional network helps him gain the right knowledge needed to make progress in his career.
Your professional network constitutes your past or current colleagues, people from other industries, as well as your mentors. Networking with people can help open doors to new opportunities and lead to career advancement.
Let's find out why you should build a diverse, helpful and mutually-beneficial professional network and how it can help you achieve your goals.
The Importance Of Professional Business Networking
Having a strong and robust professional network has many advantages—especially if you’re looking for a job. Your network can help you find job openings, get your foot in the door and reach out to more people.
Here are some key benefits of professional business networking:
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Find New Job Opportunities
This is how networking can help you learn more about the general employment landscape:
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You’ll find out about job openings in your field or other fields
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You can reach out to your contacts and ask them to keep an eye out for anything that fits your profile
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If you’re looking for a new job, your network can help spread the message
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References can help boost your job application
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Build Lasting Relationships
Another benefit of professional business networking is building meaningful, constructive and mutually-beneficial relationships. If you’re going through a difficult time professionally and are unemployed or unhappy in your current job, you can ask someone you know for help. Professional relationships can help you sail through a crisis.
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Mentorship And Guidance
If you want to grow in your career, professional advice from experts and industry veterans can prove to be invaluable. Your professional network can comprise mentors who guide, motivate and inspire you to pursue your goals. They will encourage you to take initiative and will share their wisdom and experience to help you grow as a professional.
If you want to advance in your career, you may find it beneficial to rely on others in your network. Even if you want to make it all by yourself, seeking help can streamline things and help you achieve your goals faster.
How To Build A Professional Network
Networking with people will help you expand your relationships beyond your current workplace. To meet new people, learn about their work and build long-lasting relationships, you should do the following:
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Attend Networking Events
You can find out about professional networking events being held in your city. Nowadays—because of COVID-19—the events may be held online, but you can still e-meet people and build connections. Networking events usually start with introductions followed by ice breaker activities. Use these events to find the right people and strengthen your network.
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Reach Out To Past Employers And Coworkers
It’s not uncommon to stay in touch with your past employers or coworkers. These are valuable connections because they know your working style as well as your strengths and weaknesses. You can ask them for advice or even reference letters that may come in handy for future roles.
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Use Social Media Platforms Like LinkedIn
Social media is a great way to connect with people in other industries, which helps you expand your professional network. The importance of professional networking is that it gives you a safety net when you’re in need. Use social media to meet new people and stay in touch with them. You never know when a connection might come in handy!
Maintain A Healthy Network!
Networking with people can translate into a strong career if done correctly and ethically. It’s important to keep an eye on your network and connect with people you have something to learn from. Rather than focusing on personal gain, focus on growth and collaboration.
Learn all you need to know about networking with Harappa’s Expanding Networks course. It’s designed to teach you how to leverage your connections to accomplish your goals and maintain a rapport with people.
Understanding the importance of professional networking will help you further your goals. You’ll learn to trust people, improve your collaboration skills and healthily use your connections.
Explore topics such as the Importance of Building Relationships, How to Build Rapport, What is an Interpersonal Relationship & the Phases of Interpersonal Relationships from Harappa Diaries and learn to navigate professional relationships better.
