Here's why career networking is essential for progress

When you think of “networking,” you might picture people in business suits standing around a meeting hall, exchanging business cards. While that’s a small part of it, networking involves so much more. Networking is simply the process of meeting people and developing professional relationships. One of the obstacles for many people is that there aren’t any hard and fast rules for networking; it can happen almost anywhere, often popping up organically.

So what does career networking look like? Yes, there’s a business card aspect to it, but it’s something you do all the time, from greeting people at work, to how you react to news both good and bad. Everything you do in your professional life can be connected to networking. Whenever you’re on the job, there’s always someone paying attention. Maybe it’s a higher-up observing how you react to a setback, or someone who is impressed with your work and wants to get you on their team. That’s networking, too! 

Is networking good for your career path?

Absolutely. Think about the opportunities you’ve been given in your career. Did you obtain them all on your own without any direction, feedback, or advice from others? Probably not. Making further progress in your career is a team effort. The more people you have on your team, the better.  So what are the top benefits of actively networking to grow your career?

1. Referrals, referrals, referrals

Growing your professional network means getting your name out there. Like advertising a new product or having a video go viral, having a robust network means people are talking about you, sharing your work, and keeping you in mind for future opportunities. If you apply for a job through a referral, it gives you an extra layer of credibility and increases your chances that the hiring manager will call you for an interview.

2. It gets you noticed

With a large professional network, more people will know of you and pay attention to your accomplishments. Keep working on building connections, and before you know it, you might find yourself as a “person to watch” in your industry.

3. More opportunities for collaboration

No one gets anywhere alone. The more people you have in your professional network, the more people you have to work with and you’ll increase the chances that you’ll have someone to reach out to when opportunity knocks. Growing your network means you’ll always “know a guy (or gal)” for professional collaboration.

What are the two types of career networks?

Simply put, there are two basic kinds of networking:

1. Direct networks

These are the real-life connections you have in your life and career, such as college friends, work colleagues, or people you met at a professional seminar. These are the foundation of a strong network from which you can grow your career. LinkedIn is a great example of a direct network, as it allows you to make connections with people in your field from all over the world. And don’t forget local professional organizations. Here you’ll find potential networking contacts in your field, and they’re often focused on connecting people like you in similar positions, backgrounds, and levels.

2. Indirect networks

This is more of a “friend of a friend” situation or second-hand connections. No less valuable, these indirect networks include people your colleagues know, a family member’s network, or even a company that you respect and admire. These aren’t the type of connections you seek out; they a matter of happenstance but can lead to great networking opportunities nonetheless.

What are the four types of networking?

“Networking” is a broad term that encompasses many different types and formats. In general, there are four types of career networking, and some of them may overlap. All of them, however, can be useful for growing your professional network and furthering your career.

1. Organizational networks

These are the casual networks that often develop organically in a workplace between colleagues who share similar values and goals; they’re the people you rely on in times of difficulty, seek advice, or with whom you celebrate your “wins.” They can be from your team or an entirely different department. This is the “water cooler” networking that can lead to new opportunities you hear in a more informal environment.

2. Occupation-specific networks

These are professional networks outside of your daily work experience, such as professional organizations, college alumni groups, or trade groups. These networks often provide training and educational opportunities, as well as being a great source of industry news and trends. They may also include more “casual contact” type networking opportunities, where the emphasis is more on building relationships and less on business matters.

3. Personal networks

A personal network is often made up of people you know from your “regular life,” such as friends, family, people you went to school with, clubs, or people you know who are in a similar career situation. They can also include community volunteer organizations, where you contribute your time and efforts to meet new people, contribute to the greater good, and build up some “personal goodwill.” These can be great opportunities for networking because you’ll be meeting people outside your industry, expanding your base of contacts. 

4. Online networks

These days, everyone is online, and there are a myriad of opportunities to network. Sites such as LinkedIn provide you the chance to make connections without necessarily having to leave home. While they do take a bit of a time investment (keeping your profiles up-to-date is vital), they provide you the opportunity to build your network, learn about and apply for jobs, perform company research, highlight your skills and expertise, and join groups and participate in discussions. You can also develop a reputation as an industry influencer by posting professional articles, participating in group forums, and commenting on other people’s posts.

How to start networking

Building your professional network might seem like a tall order, especially if you’re just starting out in your career. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just take it step-by-step, focusing on one thing at a time. It shouldn’t be a chore. Here are some tips to get started with your professional network:

• Create a LinkedIn account and keep it current.

• Join professional organizations, both locally and online and attend events.

• Attend virtual networking events, and meet people from the comfort of your own chair. 

• Volunteer. It can help you meet people with similar interests and values.

• Attend industry events such as conferences, workshops, or seminars.

• Reach out to colleagues you haven't spoken to in a while. Research shows that these “dormant” connections might be more fruitful than new ones.

12 Tips for networking success

In the case of your career, consider “network” a verb instead of a noun. You need to be actively building and nurturing your professional connections in order to support your career success. 

Here are 12 tips to help you get the most out of your professional network. 

1. Take the initiative. Don’t wait for people to reach out to you. Attend workshops, events, and interact with others on professional social media sites.

2. Build and nurture your relationships. It’s more than just exchanging business cards. Learn about a new contact and what makes them “tick,” which will help you create rapport.

3. Always follow up with a new connection via email or messaging. Express your gratitude for the meeting and let them know you want to stay in touch.

4. Remember that it’s not the size of your network that ultimately counts, it's the quality. Place the emphasis on building meaningful relationships, not creating a list.

5. Networking is reciprocal. Be willing to help others.

6. When you meet someone, make as much eye contact as you’re comfortable with and have a firm handshake. First impressions count!

7. Have an “elevator pitch.” This is a brief overview of your background, skills, and what makes you unique. Rehearse it so you’re always ready to “market” yourself.

8. Be a good listener and ask questions. Networking is a two-way street!

9. Have goals prepared, and understand what you’re trying to accomplish with networking.

10. Practice your “small talk.” This includes asking about the other person's ideas, offering interesting insights, and staying calm, cool, and collected.

11. Do your best to have a great reputation. People are more likely to associate with those they deem “trouble-free.”

12. Nurture your professional relationships. Send quick notes to check in, congratulate them on a recent success, or just ask what’s new. Not only is it a nice thing to do, it keeps you “front of mind.”

Need a great place to start your networking? Consider career.io’s Virtual Hiring Events, which will connect you with hiring managers, recruiters, and others in your field, free of charge.

Key takeaways

1. Networking is the process of meeting people and developing professional relationships. 

2. Making further progress in your career is a team effort, and the more people you have on your team, the better.

3. Four types of networking include organizational, occupation-specific, personal, and online.

4. It’s vital to be actively building and nurturing your professional connections in order to support your career success.