How to use networking to boost your career.

Learn everything you need to know about using networking to boost your career. Read this article to the end and find out!

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

According to the psychological theory "The Small World Problem," six links of friendship or connection are necessary for any two people in the world to meet. 

In other words, right now, you only need to pass by six people to meet someone like Queen Elizabeth II, for example. 

The theory may not be proven, but the fact is that building a solid network of contacts can greatly help your career. Today we'll 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 thing. The difference is that network is more closely related to the noun, while networking refers to the activity. 

In the context of business, English terminology means creating a network of contacts that fosters the exchange of knowledge and experiences between people from different fields. 

The purpose of networking is to foster collaborative relationships between professionals. Whether it's to strengthen friendships, facilitate negotiations, or take advantage of job opportunities. 

This practice often divides opinions and sparks controversy. Many people consider networking to be a fake attitude, while others believe it to be a natural thing. 

What we need to make clear is that maintaining good relationships, professional or otherwise, is fundamental for everyone. And considering a professional network, there are great benefits to this exchange. 

The importance of using networking in your career. 

Networking is an activity for exchanging experiences and opportunities. However, it's important to note that what matters most is who you know, not the number of people you meet.

Meeting different professionals who share your ideas and ideals and adding them to your network is an excellent way to get a better job, an internship, or simply to 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 network of contacts, you increase your chances of getting close to influential people, something that wouldn't happen if you were "isolated." 

A network of relationships can also contribute to new knowledge and referrals for that coveted promotion at work. In addition to improving your reputation, it helps you reach potential clients, increase your visibility, and enhance your profile.  

Career success is directly linked to the relationships we cultivate throughout life.

Therefore, networking is essential for strengthening professional relationships, because by interacting with inspiring people, you refine your ideas and have your creative growth stimulated. 

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

However, networking should not be seen solely as a way to obtain personal benefits, because, as a reminder, it consists of the exchange of information, knowledge, and experiences. 

Another very positive point is that by cultivating a good network of contacts and nurturing good professional relationships, one also obtains a higher 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 shyness aside and trust in 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 meet professionals from other regions and countries, exchange experiences, and establish stronger relationships with each other. 

However, precisely because it's not a social network geared towards the professional world, you'll have to do a lot of filtering to know if a particular contact is actually useful. 

2. Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn, currently the world's largest professional network, has approximately 770 million users. The network was created precisely to connect professionals and overcome physical barriers. 

On the network, it's possible to have up to 30,000 connections, unlimited followers, produce content for the timeline, more complete and complex articles, and even a newsletter for followers. Currently, many good professionals can be found there. 

Another advantage of 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 access to various job openings and being able to apply for them with just one click. 

3. Participate in events 

Participating in events in your field 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's normal to feel insecure, especially among professionals with less experience, but try to maintain a pleasant and interesting conversation even if you don't know the other person. 

To avoid interrupting the person's schedule, it's best to approach them during breaks, as well as at the entrance and exit of the event. However, if you notice that the professional is not interested in talking, don't insist. 

4. Be helpful 

Nobody likes people who don't share what they know with others and always want to be the best. Therefore, be the kind of person who helps others and shows concern for being helpful. 

Initially, you'll do this without any ulterior motives, but the chances of that person remembering you in the future are immense. 

5. Produce content 

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

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

6. Invest in relationships. 

There's no point in meeting a new professional and never contacting them again after the initial conversation, because they'll 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 stay in touch without having to travel to see the person. 

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

Conclusion 

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

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

Did you enjoy the content about how to use networking? Be sure to follow our blog to stay up-to-date on topics related to professional and personal growth.

Take the opportunity to also read: "What is a vocational test? Learn how it can help you discover your vocation"

Nathalia Silva

Journalist, writer, and lover of words.

January 3, 2022