When it comes to the world of business, connections are key. They say it is “who you know” that leads to success, and there is no truer fact. Working to expand your job network by meeting new people and strengthening the bonds with the associates you already have can open you up to more options when you decide to change careers or reach the next step on your professional journey.
We live in an amazing time, where technology allows us to connect with people around the world in the common language of business, and you never know when a new connection can change your life in ways you never expected. To help you out, we will explain the importance of expanding your job network along with tips to meet new people and build meaningful bonds with those you already know.
The Importance of Connecting
Working towards building your professional network is essential because if you are on your own, you limit your options, and you will likely be stuck in the same unfulfilling career path. Not only will networking help you to find new opportunities that you may not have found on your own, but you can also gain invaluable guidance from those who have already excelled in the path that you wish to take. You can read all the books and go to all the seminars you want, but having a mentor who you met through networking can be the ultimate difference-maker.
It is important to remember that you don’t only want to network with associates at your level. You also want to rub elbows with your managers, ask if you can present ideas to them, and show your worth. Knowing a manager should not be the only reason that you are promoted, but if you can combine that familiarity with your great job skills then you could put yourself ahead of the pack.
By expanding your job network to people in different fields and specialties, you can also have an incredible support network when you need help or you want to move to a different career. While this is a great benefit, remember that you don’t necessarily want to ask someone you just met for help or they may be turned off. Instead, take the time to create a meaningful connection and think of them in the future. Also, remember that networking for future support is a two-way street. If someone in your network ever asks you for help and you can assist, consider doing so, and you will show your value and know that they will be there in your time of need as well.
How to Meet New People
If you work at a small company or you are just starting out in the world of business in general, then you likely do not have a large pool of people to add to your network. However, all is not lost as there are many ways that you can meet other like-minded people and begin building a connection. One of the easiest ways is to attend networking events in your chosen field. You can find these events by researching online or reviewing your local paper and you can attend fully understanding that the people you meet also want to expand their networks.
Another idea for building your network is to return to school to further your education. The real-world experience you gain from a program like a Master of Business Administration(MBA) will help you excel in your career, and the other students you meet can become connections for life. If you have already completed your schooling, then you could consider reaching out to the alumni who you met back then and start a group or meet in person to get to know them better.
You can also meet new connections outside of work by volunteering at a charitable organization. The people you meet there could be the most positive connections you could make because you know that they have good intentions and a passion for helping others. You never know what business the person standing next to you could be in or where the conversation could lead.
Wherever you meet new people, it is essential to remember the importance of following up. Once you start getting along, ask them for their emails or phone numbers and then send them a message later and tell them how you enjoyed meeting them and invite them to a seminar or just out to coffee to further connect.
Strengthening Your Existing Network
While meeting new people is key, you also need to remember the people you already know or work with so you can deepen that connection and make them solid members of your group. When someone truly understands your skills and personality, they can see your value and that may lead to a new opportunity in the future. For instance, you never know when you might be ready to quit your corporate job and someone in your network has a brand new start-up company that has the potential for success. That associate knows what you bring to the table, so they could decide to bring you on board, and it could be a whole new career.
You won’t always have something new and exciting to talk about with those in your current network, so try to take advantage of talking points that could impress them. For instance, whenever they get a promotion or successfully complete a project, congratulate them on a job well done. Celebrating their victory is a gesture that they will not soon forget. Another trick is to remember the birthday of those in your network. An unexpected birthday greeting will show that you care and will further strengthen your bond.
It is worth mentioning the fact that we now live in a remote world where business associates don’t often see each other in person. If you work remotely, remember that you can still make connections by reaching out with instant messenger or email. Better yet, suggest having video calls now and then so you can see each other as you speak, almost as if you were both there in the same room. By catching up when you can, you will stay in the mind of your connections.
As you can see, there is a lot to gain from expanding and improving your job network. When you speak to others, take the time to really learn about them, and the effort could lead to a brighter future.
