Eight Reasons Why You Should Network

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Networking is highly valuable in the world of business. Investing your time in building and developing long-term relationships won’t necessarily translate into immediate profits, but it can provide many medium- to long-term benefits.

How powerful is the statement: “I know someone who can …” when someone says it to you? If you want it to be you that everyone knows, thinks of, and recommends, you have to be a good networker and be comfortable building relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Networking can help you find people who will recommend you (as well as people that you can recommend), as well as help you find mentors in your field.

• If you are a business owner or manager, networking will also help you find the best possible people to work with, whether they are employees, suppliers, or partners.

• Developing the skills that will make you good at networking will also help you in your personal life, as it will help you improve your communication skills and make new friends.

Eight Reasons to Network

Here are eight key reasons to network and their benefits:

1. Driving Word-Of-Mouth Recommendations. This is the essential reason for networking. The more people who know what you do, the more recommendations you will get. Successful businesses are built on referrals.

2. Encouraging Mentors. Networking helps you to find people with lots of business experience who are often very willing to share their knowledge with you. Successful businesspeople are usually generous with advice, particularly with people open to listening.

3. Finding Suppliers. Networking is a great way to find the best suppliers and to build value-for-money relationships. Whatever sort of supplier you are looking for, whether it is an accountant, copywriter, recruiter, web designer, or insurance broker, you will come across them all in your networks. Finding suppliers that network often provides opportunities for two-way business.

4. Understanding Market Opportunities. Networking is a great way to broaden your thinking and to find new ideas to find potential clients or see different target markets that you hadn’t thought of. People you meet through networking can often help you to identify new market opportunities you might not have thought of. Some people you meet may offer synergies with what you do.

5. Getting New Ideas and Innovations. Meeting other businesspeople and talking about business is a fantastic way of learning new ways to do business. Every business is different and all businesspeople have their own ideas. Finding out how people in other industries, other markets or with different products get business helps you to generate new ideas and perhaps adapt other people’s innovations to your own business.

6. Finding Inspiration. Entrepreneurs share a common energy. Mixing with people who have to rely on their own resources to survive and who have to think outside the square to get the edge on their competitors is always an inspiration. Meeting businesspeople who have the same difficulties but are willing to share their solutions is a great encouragement.

7. Improving Your Communication. Getting out there and introducing yourself and your business to strangers soon teaches you the best way to get your message across. It can be very hard at first, but practice and familiarity will soon make it second nature. People can transform from shy beginners to confident crowd-players as their experience builds.

8. Making Great New Friends. Although we focus on business, networking can also bring you wonderful new friends. You share your ideas, your goodwill and your enthusiasm for business with like-minded people. Strong friendships combined with strong business alliances are very powerful forces in building your network.

How to Network

The prospect of networking can be highly intimidating, especially if you are new to your field. The good news, however, is that the best way to network is to act like you aren’t networking at all.

Coming on too strong or immediately asking for favors can be off-putting, so when you meet people, show a genuine interest in them and what they have to say. They won’t feel like you are just using them as a means to further your own career, and the networking benefits of making a new connection will come naturally.

As for how to begin networking, you can search for events in your local area where people in your field will be getting together. You can find these through social media and websites such as LinkedIn. Remote online networking events are also a great option if you aren’t able to find anything in-person in your area.

Networking FAQs

1. Can I succeed at networking as an introvert?

   Yes, you can succeed at networking as an introvert. Keep in mind that you might not be comfortable with networking right away, but don’t let that discourage you.

   Try not to put too much pressure on the idea of networking, as this will only make it more intimidating. When you meet people in your industry, think of it as a conversation first, and networking second.

2. What is the etiquette when networking?

   There is no particular etiquette for networking. Different people have different styles and preferences, but there are some basic guidelines that you can follow.

   When you meet or approach a new contact, it is usually good practice to have a business card ready to give them. After speaking with them, it is also a good idea to send a follow-up or thank-you email, especially if the person is helping you with something.

3. Can I network remotely?

   Yes, you can network remotely. You can attend networking events or one-on-one chats with your contacts through Zoom or other online platforms. Follow the same rules as in-person networking, with some extra considerations: you’ll need to make sure your Internet connection is strong and consistent, and that your on-camera workspace is clean and professional.

   Social media can also be a key piece of online networking. Even when you are not going to events or having meetings, staying active and visible on social media can refresh your contacts’ memory and help them to keep you and your skills in mind.

Author

Conner Martin

Conner is a professional writer and editor who has worked in a variety of different industries and media. He is passionate about communication and about making even complex topics accessible to wide audiences. Conner holds a Master of Professional Writing degree from the University of Oklahoma.