Networking

We explain what networking is in business, what it is for and what types exist. In addition, we tell you how to network.

What is networking?

In the professional and business world, it is understood by Anglicism networking to the practice of making contacts, that is, of meet other professionals and entrepreneurs with a view to future and possible investment and work opportunities. It is also common to use other terms for this same activity, such as: relationship marketing, business networks or work networks.

The idea of networking It consists of expanding work networks (hence its name in English: net“network”, and work“work”), to add acquaintances and potential strategic allies. For this, entrepreneurs or professionals usually meet in business meetings. networkingwhose purpose is to allow and facilitate social relationships between interested parties, and promote the exchange of contact information, advice and mentoring.

Currently, it is possible to do networking digitally, thanks to applications and social networks dedicated to the professional field, such as LinkedIn and even Twitter.

What is the use for? networking?

The majority of professionals and entrepreneurs agree on the importance of networking as source of potential allies, employees or employers, and potential partners. This is because having a vast network translates into greater strategic opportunities, greater presence in the professional circuit and a more direct communication channel between professionals.

Regarding specific purposes, the networking can be used for:

• Get partners, investors or employees for your own business.
• Meet other professionals in the area and receive advice, news and stay up to date in the field of interest.
• Meet potential employers or mentorship from professionals with more experience.
• Establish links with potential competitors that lead to strategic alliances.

Types of networking

There are three types of networking:

• Networking staff. It is what a person does for themselves, outside of their current job, and which is based on their social and interpersonal relationships. For an individual with a vast personal network, it will be easier to change jobs, become self-employed or get advice.
• Networking strategic. It is what is carried out by the professionals of a company or organization, either with equivalents in other companies (networking horizontal) or with professionals in a position of authority (networking vertical), who are committed to professional development opportunities in the future.
• Networking operational. It is what a company's employees do to exchange knowledge and experience, increase their value for the company and face its challenges from new and more efficient perspectives.

How to do networking?

There are many different ways to do a job. networking. Among the main ones are:

• Enhance your own personal brand. To develop a more visible presence in the professional circuit and project your own work beyond the office, you can print business cards, open and update profiles on work social networks or be present at events linked to the work area.
• Develop social talents. To expand contacts it is essential to meet new people and for that you must socialize: attend business meetings. after-officeparticipate in forums and presentations. Knowing how to listen, knowing how to communicate and a good dose of leadership are key in this sense.
• Always go prepared. Opportunities must always be taken advantage of, and for this a certain amount of self-work is essential: reflecting on short and medium-term goals, preparing a “elevator pitch” (a brief personal introduction) beforehand and always be clear about what you are looking for in an event. Clear ideas allow consistent actions.
• Continuously update contact networks. Whether it is a digital portal or an analogue agenda, it is important to be up to date on contacts. This means updating phone numbers, knowing where our contacts are and being aware of their achievements, movements and initiatives.
• Be generous when appropriate. Human beings tend to be reciprocal in affection and social relationships, which is why we generally respond with gratitude to the generosity of others. Having a grateful contact can be the difference in discovering an opportunity in time. That is why generosity with the information that is handled is important.
• Subscribe to clubs networking. There are numerous organizations dedicated to networking between professionals and entrepreneurs. A quick research can bring us up to date on which are the best known in our area and which are most convenient for our professional profile.

Continue with: Business ethics

References

• “Networking” on Wikipedia.
• “What is networking?” at the European Postgraduate Center (CEUPE).
• “What is Networking and Why Do You Need to do it?” at Columbia University Center for Career Education (USA).