5 Ways Networking Can Benefit Your Career

Networking – a word that can make even the most seasoned professional nervous. Whether you love it or hate it there’s no denying that networking can be a big benefit to yourself and your career.

Attending networking events is a great way to build lasting relationships with other driven and ambitious people and it will help you grown both personally and professionally.

• Raise your profile

By regularly engaging with others in your industry you can help boost both your own and your businesses profile. Offering useful advice and tips can also help you build up a great reputation as a credible member of the business community and will help you stick in people’s minds. Remember you never know who you might be talking too!

• New opportunities

Attending networking events can bring an abundance of opportunities your way, you may come across individuals or businesses that you can collaborate with, new client leads or even find out about new job –the possibilities are endless!

• Increase  your confidence

Networking forces you to talk to people you don’t know, and although this may prove difficult at first, like most things it will become easier with practice. Having confidence in yourself and your business is vital to success; by pushing yourself to regularly network with others it will not only help you make lasting business connections within the industry, but also help you grow personally.

• Build relationships

Everyone at networking events is there for the same thing; to meet new people and build new business relationships. When you’re in a conversation with someone make sure you listen carefully and engage – be careful you don’t go in for the “hard sell”; no one likes being stuck talking to the pushy guy.  Remember not only can networking help to form new relationships but can also help you strengthen your relationships with current clients and associates.

• Advice

Networking events are great places to get advice; you’re going to be surrounded by people who will have years of invaluable industry advice and experiences to share. Perhaps you have a new business idea and want a fresh point of view- make the most of the opportunity and get advice from people who will have been in your shoes.