What is networking and why is it needed

Networking is a tool for building professional and personal connections.Creation of a circle of acquaintances who are employed in different professional fields.Many issues are resolved through connections: job search, starting a startup, choosing a school for a child.According to research on LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking.

Previously, building friendly working relationships took place at conferences, business breakfasts and other events.Now people get to know each other on social networks, communicate in the messenger and professional communities.

Courtesy exchanges, small talk and partnerships on paper are not networking.The main element of networking is sincerity and honesty in relationships, help without a second thought.

The benefits of networking

Above we have already named the main advantage of networking - the solution of professional and personal problems, but this is not its only advantage:

• constant expansion of the circle of acquaintances;
• development and broadening of horizons, the ability to understand and accept other people's points of view;
• a sense of usefulness and need,
• increased self-esteem.
• striving to become better due to the fact that partners are smarter, work better;
• rapid achievement of goals;
• professional advice.

Networking rules.

For networking to be beneficial, there are a few rules to follow:

• participate or organize events to expand your social circle.If possible, check the list of guests in advance and find out as much as possible about them;
• communicate in professional communities in social networks;
• communicate sincerely and naturally, be friendly;
• Express your thoughts clearly.Speak in a positive way, don't talk about personal problems;
• first do something for the person, and then ask for help;
• always wear business cards.

Tips

Group

If you have two appointments on a similar topic, combine them.This will make your work more efficient, in the future it will be possible to organize a group to work on the project.If you have friends who love superhero movies, invite them all to the movies and have them invite friends too.So everyone will have new friends.

Use instant messengers

Messengers are a convenient way to communicate with several people at once, make appointments and solve problems.You can create several conversations: with friends, with business partners, with the topic of who is going to volunteer.

Attend conferences

Conferences are a great way to meet people in your area and make useful contacts.Moreover, there are presentations of professionals, from whom you can learn from experience and ask for advice.

Ask you to introduce

Psychologically, the person being introduced is perceived better than just coming up from the street.Ask a friend to introduce you to people they already know.Set up a new job and made friends with a colleague - ask to introduce him to the rest of the team.

Meet online more actively

One of the easiest ways to make friends with a person is to find him online.Write that you were at a common event and want to know his opinions or learn about other similar events.Add people you are interested in: lecturers, specialists from your field, writers.