Whether you are looking for a new job or want to improve your current position, having a professional network of like-minded people is the best way to develop your career. Professional networking is an opportunity to improve employment conditions for all network members. Do you know why professional networking is important and how we should create such a network for ourselves?
What is professional networking?
Career or professional networking means using the people you know to develop your career or business. You become a member of a group of people with similar expertise and skills and use this group to find a job and build their business.
These networks are formed based on two-way interaction so that no one feels he has been taken advantage of. Just as you have a chance to find a new job in these collections, you should provide the same opportunity for others.
The importance of professional networking
It would be best if you didn’t overlook the importance of professional networking when looking for a job. Professional networking should become part of your daily activities and career path.
It would be best if you had a professional network not only to find a job but also to promote your career, and because you don’t know when you will need a career network, you should always have an active career network.
- Many experienced people say that networking has helped them advance their careers.
- Your strategy for networking should be to define your career goals and get help from the right people to achieve these goals.
- Remember that you owe your current job position to your business network, and to compensate for that, share new job opportunities with your colleagues in this network.
The goal of setting up a professional network
The goals of professional networking using personal, professional, academic, and family connections are:
- Finding a job ;
- Achieving career goals;
- Getting more information about your current job;
- Get information about the job you are interested in.
Professional networking is an excellent way to discover job opportunities and get a desired position.
Who should we communicate with for business networking?
- Current and previous colleagues, managers, supervisors, and employees.
- Current and previous customers.
- University peers.
- Current and former professors and teachers.
- Family, friends, and neighbors.
- People you associate with in religious groups, sports clubs, or other groups.
- Any experienced person with whom you can engage constructively about your career path.
Essential tips for business networking
1. Go to the right people
Your business network should include people who can help you find a job or do business activities. You should find these people in one of the groups we introduced in the previous section. Of course, more important than what kind of relationship you have or have had with these people is that this relationship is helpful for your career success.
2. Learn more about business network functions
The members of your work network can play a significant role in your future career. They can give you more information about the internal conditions of the company you are interested in working in or even introduce you to the relevant official in that company.
They can provide helpful information about the business you want to start and its labor market in other areas. Also, if you show them your resume, they will help you understand in which field and where you should look for a job or a job change.
3. Stay in touch with your network members
It would be best if you didn’t only connect with people when you’ve lost your job or are looking for a new job. You should constantly communicate with the members of your work network, even if it is limited to a short message that includes greetings and greetings. People who have a stronger connection with you will be more willing to help you.
4. Help others
Networking should not be one-sided. If you have a great job opportunity or read an interesting article about career ideas, share it with your business network members.
Yes, networking is finding people who can help you, but you should reciprocate whenever possible.
5. Know your network members well
You need to know the members of your business network well, and it doesn’t matter what method you use to do this. You need to ensure that you have enough information about all the members, that is, you know their jobs and how to contact them.
6. Connect with other business networks
Using social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook, you can connect with other business networks. For example, the university you graduated from may have a business network you can join. Of course, when you become a member of these networks, you must specify your goals. Other members need to know that you want information about a particular company or are just looking for new job opportunities.
7. Attend business networking events
Networking in person is better. If you are a member of a professional network, participate in the face-to-face meetings of this network. By attending these meetings, you will find that many participants have common goals with you and will be happy to have your business card. It is even possible that the same business network will hold this meeting for university graduates; Be sure to participate in it.
8. Don’t be shy to ask
Don’t be shy about asking others to tell you about job opportunities. Many companies consider special rewards and incentives for employees who introduce a reasonable workforce. Your representative will also benefit if you are hired and are a reasonable force.
The role of the Internet in professional networking
These days, with the Internet, professional networking has become much easier than in the past. There are various groups for professional networking on the Internet, and unique sites and social networks are designed for this purpose. Of course, internet activity for networking has its principles and rules. First, you have to show your interests and capabilities for months. When you are known for a particular characteristic and your skills are seen, you can ask your peers for help finding a new job.
common questions
1. Why is it essential to set up a career network?
Professional networking is important because you can connect with people who can help you find a job. You will also encounter new job opportunities in this network.
2. What is the best advantage of career networking?
Starting a business network can help you succeed in your career in ways you couldn’t do on your own.
