Lucy - BQ Magazine EditorNetworking can get a bit of a bad rap because it conjures up images of awkward small talk or swapping business cards with people you’ll never speak to again, but the truth is that networking can be (and should be) so much more than that. It’s actually about building real connections, learning from others, and even opening doors to new opportunities that you would never have had access to, or perhaps even considered, before.
So how can you make it work for you? You need to make it part of your daily routine, and if you can do that, you’ll be able to keep things casual, fun, and much more effective. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Build Relationships Not Contacts
It’s time to set the record straight – networking isn’t just the chance to collect names for your contact list or LinkedIn page – this is the best chance you have to build some real relationships that actually have some meaning behind them. You can swap ideas with colleagues, engage with like-minded professionals, or catch up with a mentor, but it’s all worth it and every interaction adds value.
Taking a few minutes each day to catch up and check-in, comment on someone’s post, or share an interesting article, for example, means you’ll be able to keep on top of things and stay in people’s minds, and over time these small gestures can really build into something.
Opportunities Are Everywhere
Have you ever heard someone tell you that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know? That’s partly true (don’t rely in it exclusively because you still need skills and knowledge, but a good network can often be the key to showing you opportunities that you would have missed out on without your people).
When networking becomes part of your regular routine, you’re always going to be in the loop, so you might hear about a new project a potential partnership, or perhaps even a jo opening before it’s posted anywhere so you can get ahead of the game. Platforms like Circles.com make it easier than ever to connect with people in your field and keep conversations going, so it’s always wise to sign up when you can.
You’ll Always Be Learning
Networking is a two-way street. You share your expertise while learning from others at the same time. Regular conversations with people in your industry – and even outside it – offer fresh ideas and unique perspectives. This broader outlook helps you spot trends early, giving you an edge over competitors. Stay curious, stay connected, and watch your business grow!
It’s Inspiring
The fact is that work can sometimes feel like a real battle, but the great thing about networking is that it can be inspiring – talking to others who are passionate about their work and who work hard to overcome obstacles or achieve some pretty amazing things can completely inspire you to do the same.
It’s also a great way to share your wins (just don’t show off about it), and that’s another way to boost your own motivation, but it’s going to be inspiring to others as well, and there’s something wonderful about that.