There is a certain serendipity of striking up conversations with people from diverse backgrounds that can open doors you may never have even seen as opportunities.
According to LinkedIn, although 79% of professionals agree that networking is valuable for career progression, only 48% consistently keep in touch with their network.
Biggest reason given is time -or lack of it.
- 38 percent globally said they find it hard to stay in touch with their network.
- The leading cause? Nearly half (49 percent) globally say it’s because they don’t have enough time.
- Interestingly, despite the majority (79 percent) globally agreeing that professional networking is valuable for career progression, less than half (48 percent) globally say they keep in touch with their network when things are going well in their career.
It seems it is also the same reason we give for avoiding things we don’t like. And while some of us love to meet and greet- many do not.
And yet it is so valuable to business success and growth.
According to HubSpot, nearly 100% of professionals believe that face-to-face meetings are crucial to keeping long-term business relationships.
A study by Forbes listed the top benefits of in-person meetings as opposed to networking by technology. The top benefits were:
- Building stronger, more meaningful business relationships (85%)
- Better ability to read body language and facial expressions (77%)
- Ability to bond with co-workers/clients and more social interaction (75%)
- Allows for more complex strategic thinking (49%)
- Better environment for tough, timely decision-making (44%)
- Less opportunity for unnecessary distractions (40%)
- Leads to higher-quality decision making (39%)
- Easier to focus (38%)
- Fewer disruptions and delays (23%)
AND …
According to a study done by LinkedIn in 2017, 35% of participants said a casual conversation through LinkedIn Messaging led to a new opportunity.
These opportunities could be jobs or career changes, sales leads, or business deals.
In fact, 25% of participants said that LinkedIn helped them establish a new business partnership. And 61% of participants believe that regular online interaction with their network can lead to possible job opportunities.
Another study by Forbes asked participants about the top benefits of using technology for networking.
The top benefits of online networking were:
- Saves time (92%)
- Saves money (88%)
- More flexibility in location and timing (76%)
- Allows the participant to multitask (64%)
- Increases productivity (55%)
- Ability to archive sessions (49%)
- Less peer pressure (16%)
It seems that both in- person and online networking could be the answer.
Attending events, conferences, and meet-ups in person has a unique magic. That’s the beauty of in-person networking—expanding horizons and cultivating a diversity of relationships.
Online Networking also breaks down Geographical Barriers
In our hyper-connected world, the significance of online networking cannot be ignored.
GailNow understands this well and has built relationships in insurance, mold making, real estate, automation, mental health, theatre and that is the rich brew that makes her work in public relations so valuable.
Online platforms empower us to connect with like-minded individuals, irrespective of geographical constraints.
Here are some tips for introverts who may struggle with networking:
Try one of the tips below to begin developing your networking skills, according to Robertson College (No relation).
https://www.robertsoncollege.com/news/career-advice/why-is-networking-important/
- Ask Questions and Listen: Lots of people enjoy talking out loud, and savvy introverts can make this work to their advantage. People appreciate a good listener. Being an extrovert isn’t the only way to make an impression.
- Try Online Networking Events: Online networking events are especially helpful for introverted people who are new to the experience. You can start online before trying in-person events. Use social media and event pages to discover opportunities for online networking.
- Ask a Friend or Colleague to Join: You can easily bring a friend or colleague to these social events. Going with somebody you trust will make the experience more enjoyable.
- Set Goals: Create a checklist of goals as part of your career development plan. This can be simple things like: go to a networking event; introduce yourself; ask somebody a question; and so forth. Having goals in mind will motivate you to try something new and improve your networking skills.
And finally, a few reasons why networking is important:
- Knowledge Exchange: Networking exposes you to fresh perspectives and industry insights, enriching your understanding.
- Collaboration: Unlikely collaborations often emerge from networking, fostering innovation and growth.
- Career Opportunities: Whether it’s a job opening or a new project, networking opens doors to countless opportunities.
By far a hybrid approach to networking is the key. Blend the best of both worlds—forge connections in person to build trust, and leverage online platforms for scale and accessibility.
In the work of GailNow, Gail focuses on public relations strategy to work with clients to encourage them to share stories, to use their personal platforms and to build on that Know – Like- Trust.
Let’s keep the conversation going!
Share your networking success stories or tips in the comments.
#Networking #Manufacturing #GailNow #ProfessionalGrowth
Check out Gail’s LinkedIn for photos from a recent networking event she attended!