How to use networking to boost your career

Learn now everything about how to use networking to boost your career. Read this article until the end and find out!

Have you ever heard the theory that we are only six people away from everyone else in a network that involves the entire world? 

According to the psychology theory The small world problem, six bonds of friendship or connection are needed for any two people in the world to meet. 

In other words, at this point, you only need to go through six people to find someone like Queen Elizabeth II, for example. 

The theory may not be proven, but the fact is that creating a solid network of contacts can greatly help your career. Today we will explain everything you need to know about networking in your professional life.

First of all, what is networking? 

A very common question is about the words: network and networking. Both refer to the same subject. The difference is that network is more linked to the noun, while networking refers to the activity. 

The terms in the English language, in the business context, mean creating a network of contacts that favors the exchange of knowledge and experiences between people from different areas. 

The purpose of networking is to provide reciprocal collaborative relationships between professionals. Whether to strengthen friendships, strengthen negotiations or take advantage of opportunities in the job market. 

This action often divides opinions and brings controversy. There are many people who consider networking to be a false attitude, while others believe it is a natural thing. 

What we need to make clear is that maintaining good relationships, whether professional or not, is essential for anyone. And considering a network of professional contacts, there are great benefits to this exchange. 

The importance of using networking in your career 

Networking is an action to exchange experiences and opportunities. However, it is important to note that the most important thing is who you know, not the number of people.

Meeting different professionals who share your ideas and ideals and adding them to your network of relationships is an excellent way to get a better job, an internship or simply contribute to your social life. 

One of the main benefits of networking is the opportunities that can arise. When you are active and maintain your networks, you increase your chances of getting close to people with great influence, something that would not happen if you were “isolated”. 

A network of relationships can also help you gain new knowledge and recommendations for that dream promotion at work. It also improves your reputation, reaches potential clients, increases your visibility and enhances your profile.  

Career success has a direct link to the relationships we cultivate throughout our lives.

Therefore, networking is essential to strengthen professional relationships, because by interacting with inspiring people, you improve your ideas and stimulate creative growth. 

Staying connected provides opportunities for professional and personal development and improves knowledge to achieve established goals.

However, networking should not be seen only as a way to obtain personal benefits, as it consists of exchanging information, knowledge and experiences. 

Another very positive point is that by cultivating a good network of contacts and fostering a good professional relationship, you also obtain a better quality of life and satisfaction in the work environment. 

How to use networking? 

Many people feel insecure when meeting other professionals to create a real bond. Is this your case? Put your embarrassment aside and trust yourself and your potential! 

1. Join Facebook groups 

Facebook is commonly used to connect with people we like and who are part of our social circle. However, the network can also be used for networking. 

The easiest and most effective way is to participate and interact in groups related to your field. By joining these groups, you will meet professionals from other regions and countries, exchange experiences and establish a stronger relationship between you. 

However, precisely because it is not a social network aimed at the professional world, you will have to filter a lot to know if determining contact is really useful. 

2. Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn, currently the largest professional network in the world, with around 770 million users, was created precisely to connect professionals and overcome physical barriers. 

On the network, it is possible to have up to 30 thousand connections, unlimited followers, produce content for the timeline, more complete and complex articles and even newsletters for followers. Currently, many good professionals are found there. 

Another point about LinkedIn is that it can be used as a digital resume, after all, you can fill in your entire professional and academic history.

In addition to having contact with various job openings and applying for them with just one click. 

3. Attend events 

Participating in events in your area is essential for good networking, especially with professionals who live in the same city or region as you. 

Since the interaction is face to face, it is normal to feel insecure, especially in professionals with less time in the career, but try to maintain a pleasant and interesting conversation even without knowing the other person. 

To avoid interrupting the person's schedule, it is best to approach them during breaks, as well as when entering and leaving the event. However, if you notice that the professional is not interested in talking, do not insist. 

4. Be helpful 

No one likes people who don't share anything they know with others and always want to be the best. So be the person who helps others and shows concern for being a helpful person. 

At first, you will do this without any ulterior motive, but the chances that the person will remember you in the future are immense. 

5. Produce content 

The simplest way to achieve visibility in the digital world is by producing content and publishing it on social media. This strategy is widely used by professionals and is very noticeable on LinkedIn. 

By making content available, you will be helping people while promoting your work. This way, you will gain authority on the subject. 

6. Invest in relationships 

There is no point in meeting a new professional and never getting in touch again after the initial conversation, especially because he or she will probably forget about you after a while. 

Ideally, you should be able to maintain relationships and interact with your network so that they remember you, especially what you do. 

Talk to people often, not just when you need their help. This is a very simple task nowadays, as we can use social media to keep in touch without having to go to the person. 

Remember that quality is what matters, not quantity. It's better to have a few connections, but connections that you can trust, than to have a huge network with people who won't even remember you. 

Conclusion 

Networking is essential and can provide opportunities for job placements, professional and personal growth.

Therefore, it is important to analyze your network of relationships and check whether the people in it can contribute to your career and encourage the exchange of information. 

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Take advantage and also read: “What is a career test? Find out how it helps you discover your vocation”

Nathalia Silva January 3, 2022