Networking has been all the rage for a while with various types of events being held to give people the opportunity to connect. But apart from going just to “meet people”, there are several more important reasons why networking is vital for you and your business or career.
It Broadens Your Network and Your Mind
Networking events are not just great to meet people in your industry. They are also a perfect opportunity to get to know professionals from a broad range of fields that at first glance have nothing to do with you or your company. Connecting with people from apparently unrelated backgrounds can be a fantastic way for you to build your general knowledge and make it easier for you to have conversations about a wider variety of topics.
In some cases, you can also get excellent advice from people who don’t know your industry particularly well as they will look at issues you are facing from a different and fresh perspective. And you can do the same. Maybe your questions or comments will inspire your new contact to come up with a clever solution to something they have been working on for a while. That way you’ve just given them something valuable and it didn’t cost you a thing.
It Gives You New Ideas
Networking is an excellent chance to get out there and open up to new concepts. While at work you are surrounded by coworkers and colleagues that often think along the same lines and are used to doing things a certain way. Meeting people from other businesses can give you priceless insights into how they run their companies or how their ways of doing things are working out. That way you can get new ideas for your own enterprise and also share keys to your success with others. This kind of discussion will leave you inspired and help you stay innovative and on top of the game.
It’s a Learning Experience
Apart from exchanging new thoughts, networking events are a great place to learn from the best. There will always be people who seem naturally good at getting to know complete strangers in the shortest time. Try to get a chance to meet them and observe how they communicate, act, move, etc. What is different about their behavior? Is it something you could apply as well? If you are particularly comfortable talking to someone, think about why that is. Maybe because of the way they make eye contact or the questions they ask? Think about the different ways you could make people more at ease when talking to you and use them in the next conversation you strike up. The more you learn from the people around you, the better you will quickly become and start getting way more out of every event you go to.
Its Benefits Are Exponential
The more you network, the more people you will know and the more you will be able to contribute to your professional relationships. This in turn will make you highly appreciated among your contacts, cement your relationships, make other professionals want to reach out to you and get you introduced to new influential people. All this further builds the value of your network… You see where we are going with this.
The beauty of networking is that you get out what you put in, so the more efforts you make to add value, the more others will think of you when they have something to give. Soon you might find yourself with an interesting new job offer, investment proposals or other potential partnerships because you took the time to stay in touch and be of use.
Bringing It All Together
Networking is an art that can be learned. Many people think it’s difficult or intimidating when all it takes is some solid practice and good intentions. Learn from the people you meet and be generous with your knowledge and time and your networking efforts will soon start to pay off.