What is networking and what are its benefits?

Networking: Building Valuable Connections

Some Russian speakers might find networking unfamiliar and mysterious. In English, the term refers to establishing business relationships and connections. Simply put, networking is the skill of finding connections that can help advance one’s skills and career.

The concept of networking originates from the «six degrees of separation» theory. Developed by two American psychologists in 1969 and confirmed by several studies, the theory posits that every person is connected to another through five intermediaries. Although this concept is symbolic, it has been substantiated, especially in business.

The Essence of Networking

Networking involves creating a community of professionals in a specific field. Your associates should share similar views, interests, and areas of work. You can quickly turn to them for advice, seek assistance promoting your services or products, and get introduced to other relevant professionals.

In post-Soviet countries, networking is often mistakenly understood as merely exchanging business cards and having a brief, superficial conversation. However, handing out your contact information and sharing a bit about your work does not establish a valuable connection. You might have dozens of unused business cards, and I’ll never use them.

Proper networking establishes connections that lead to long-term, enjoyable communication. In a setting conducive to a trusting conversation, you can learn about the other person’s interests and strengths, share detailed information about your business, discuss common issues, and exchange experiences. Such a connection benefits both parties.

Networking is applied in business communities, freelancing, and other specialized areas with similar interests. Surrounding yourself with people knowledgeable in related fields allows you to learn from others’ experiences, avoid mistakes, and achieve business goals faster. The right connections often become a springboard for career growth and additional motivation.

Networking can be considered a lifestyle for those actively building their careers. People interested in creating valuable connections strive to regularly «acquire» useful contacts and maintain them. This is a crucial networking skill.

Effective Networking

Effective networking is regular, meaningful communication between people with similar views and professional fields. If it’s a face-to-face conversation, it should involve exchanging ideas and business concepts comprehensively. Such a conversation should last at least an hour. It’s not just about polite conversation but immersing oneself in other people’s views and interests. This approach provides insights for future business projects and tasks.

Networking’s Goal:

• Increase the number of «your» people in different fields.
• Your associates should also see benefits in interacting with you.

Types of Networking

1. Personal Networking: Involves close family and friends, as well as trusted specialists like family doctors, nannies, hairstylists, and sewists.
2. Business Networking: Strictly involves business contacts, helping with:
   • I am choosing reliable business partners.
   • They are getting valuable contacts more efficiently.
   • Effective niche marketing.

Networking Approaches:

1. Positive Networking:
   • Give more than you receive.
   • Suitable for those starting their careers.
   • Good for team-building efforts.
2. Negative Networking:
   • «You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.»
   • Focuses purely on mutual benefit.
3. Mixed Networking:
   • Combines personal gain and business development.

How Does Networking Work?

Connections can help solve complex issues and make life easier. Many successful people have proven this with their examples. Business psychologists have conducted numerous studies confirming networking’s effectiveness in professional success.

Experienced Networkers Believe:

• Determination, responsibility, and professionalism impact business building as much as the right environment.
• Networking Skills: Valuable connections can compensate even if you lack personal qualities.

Tips to Improve Your Networking Skills:

1. Understand Your Purpose:
   • Know why you need networking.
   • Goals often relate to career growth and acquiring new skills.
2. Start with Personal Contacts:
   • Create a table listing family and close friends, ranked by importance.
3. Learn to Give Before Receiving:
   • Build trust and closeness with relatives, then expand to less familiar people.

Ideal Places for Networking:

• Coworking spaces: Creative and business-oriented environments.
• Workshops, lectures, training events, and meetups.

Networking Key Rules:

1. Think About How You Can Help:
   • Offer valuable contacts or advice.
2. Make a Good First Impression:
   • Be positive, maintain good posture, and show enthusiasm.
3. Keep Conversations Brief:
   • Limit initial conversations, exchange contacts, and move on.
4. Have Business Cards Ready:
   • Convenient for quickly sharing contact information.
5. Don’t Push Sales or Promotions Early:
   • Build rapport first.
6. Introduce People to Each Other:
   • Include acquaintances in conversations.
7. Avoid One-Word Questions:
   • Encourage open-ended responses.
8. Set Priorities:
   • Identify relevant specialists and focus on them.
9. Find a Comfortable Position:
   • Maintain the proper distance and use appropriate gestures.
10. Maintain Old Contacts:

• Meet old acquaintances regularly over coffee or tea.

Main Advantages of Networking

• Saves time on business problem-solving.
• Creates more exciting meetings and events.
• Increases motivation through successful people.
• It makes finding clients easier.
• Enables knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Networking in Different Fields

Networking is particularly effective in:

• Business Communities:
  • Offline conferences and business events are prime opportunities.
• Marketing Specialists:
  • Building friendly relationships with other companies and clients.
• IT Community:
  • Valuing reputation above professional skills.

Networking is a game that, when played by specific rules, can help solve many problems and simplify business operations. However, maintaining connections is just as crucial as creating them.